The Aston Martin DB12 might be more evolutionary than the name suggests, but that didn’t stop one wealthy individual from buying the first example at a star-studded charity auction.
When the hammer came down at the amfAR Gala Cannes last night, the car sold for $1.6 (£1.3 / €1.5) million. The funds will be used for AIDS research and Aston Martin Chairman Lawrence Stroll said, the “incredible amount raised through this charity auction highlights the excitement for the new DB12 and the unique ultra-luxury and high-performance aspects of this model that elevate it well beyond the current GT category.”
More: New Aston Martin DB12 Eschews V12, But Promises To Be A Better Driver’s Car
The winning bidder will receive the very first DB12 and it’s a Launch Edition that features an Iridescent Emerald exterior as well as “special touches carefully curated by the Q by Aston Martin bespoke service.” These celebrate the brand’s 110th anniversary and include special badging, unique headrest embroidery, and special door sill plates. Furthermore, the winning bidder will be given the “rare opportunity for Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team drivers Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso to personally add their signatures to the engine cover.”
While the spirit of the DB11 clearly lives on in the new model, the DB12 sports updated styling and a vastly improved interior. The latter has a modern digital instrument cluster, an all-new 10.25-inch infotainment system, and higher quality materials.
While the infotainment system is no longer sourced from Mercedes, the same can’t be said about the engine as it’s a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8. It produces 671 hp (500 kW / 680 PS) and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque, which is more than the old V12. Thanks to this and other changes, the DB12 can accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 3.6 seconds and hit a top speed of 202 mph (325 km/h).
