The 2026 Aston Martin DB12 S has been revealed as the new ‘halo’ model for its DB-series grand tourer, promising more grunt, better handling, and a more “striking” design.

Following the DBX S and Vantage S, the DB12 S is headlined by a more powerful 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, tuned to deliver an extra 20hp (14.7kW) for a quoted power output of 529.5kW at 6000rpm, and a monstrous 800Nm of torque delivered between 3000-6000rpm.

Aston Martin says the DB12 S is capable of accelerating from 0-60mph (0-97km/h) in just 3.4 seconds, which is 0.1 seconds quicker than its predecessor, on its way to a top whack of 202mph (325km/h).

The AMG-sourced V8 is claimed to offer more sound, too. The DB12 S gets a new quad-tailpipe stainless steel sports exhaust, while a titanium unit is available as an option.

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Aston Martin says the stacked exhaust system “has been tuned to accentuate the engine frequencies throughout the rev range for added depth and potency”. Opting for the titanium sports exhaust not only “amplifies” the soundtrack by 1.5dB, but reduces weight by 11.7kg.

The DB12 S receives a recalibrated Launch Control function too, which claims to reduce shift times by 50 per cent and contributes to the improved acceleration time. Aston Martin has also added a “more progressive throttle pedal feel” with model-specific drive-by-wire throttle maps helps to provide “an even greater sense of connection and control”.

Under the skin, the Bilstein DTX dampers have received software changes designed to improve roll and pitch control. A stiffer rear anti-roll bar and “finessed” wheel camber, toe and castor geometry claim to improve front-end feel and overall agility.

As standard, the DB12 S upgrades to carbon ceramic brakes, which improve braking performance and thermal capacity while also significantly reducing unsprung weight – to the tune of 27kg. The enhanced brake package includes 410mm rotors at the front and 360mm units at the rear.

The British marque says the reduction in unsprung weight not only improves braking performance, but also benefits ride quality, steering feel and “dynamic handling behaviour”.