Latest news with #DB12
Top Gear
30-05-2025
- Automotive
- Top Gear
Aston Martin DB12 - long-term review - Report No:5 2025
Which got me thinking: is there a way to make the subjective quandary of beauty objective? Could beauty in cars – particularly modern Aston Martins – be measured, if not by tape, then perhaps by involuntary public reaction? Because, if that's the case, the current crop of Astons (and the DB12, given my firsthand experience) are some of the most beautiful cars on the road. Beauty, famously, is in the eye of the beholder. But ever since I've been behind the wheel of our Aston Martin DB12, there seems to have been an increase in beholders. They pop up like wet gremlins, offering their admiration in car parks, at petrol stations, pulling out their phones at traffic lights and shouting 'That's GAWWWJUSSS!' from cab windows down the M4. 'The DB11 was a striking car, but the 12 is dominantly striking. It's got an appropriate grille that supports the increased drivability – more cooling, more aero – but it's also a more stately object now. It's more of that noble rogue you'd expect. Not the answer I came for – and it made me wonder if it was going to be a wasted four-hour round trip. But then Reichman opened up, insisting that car design is less about diktats and more about seduction with the DB12. But what are people actually reacting to? The shape? The proportions? The colour? The badge? Or is there something less tangible at play? To try and qualify my very unscientific survey, I took our long-term DB12 back to its birthplace at the Gaydon factory, parked it alongside its immediate family – a Vantage, a DBX 707, and the all-new, even more pin-up-worthy Vanquish – and asked the man behind the lines, Aston Martin's chief creative officer Marek Reichman, if he could explain why strangers stop mid-sentence to stare. 'As a designer, as a creative – all of us, the entire company – we're existing in two worlds,' Reichman explained. 'We're in the automotive space, yes, but we're also in the luxury world. The world of being noticed.' And being noticed matters. If you drive an Aston Martin, people look. 'They are consciously thinking about who you are. You've got to be conscious. We're designing and engineering within that context.' The idea, it turns out, wasn't to make the DB12 more beautiful. It was to make it more present. 'It's simply wearing the right clothes,' he said. 'It's presence. It's proportion. It's elegance. It's stature. That's the DNA of our brand.' Marek is fantastically articulate and avoids designer jargon. The DB12 is, after all, built on an Aston Martin platform – not a shared one, not a group hand-me-down, not something diluted by cross-brand committees. That, Reichman said, gives it more room to breathe. More room to wear its clothes. 'All of those platforms, whether it's from DB9 onwards, it's an Aston Martin platform – not a group platform we've had to derivatise,' he explained. 'We have the ability to control proportion, working with engineering to control performance from day one. And that's been fundamental – the makeup of our brand. That gives us the ability to define, particularly on Vantage. I think it's one of the best-proportioned cars in its class. DB12 is close, but nothing comes near Vanquish. When you're rare, you can play more with proportional change.' According to the man with the pens, it's that phrase – proportional change – that gets to the core of why the DB12 pulls eyes out of sockets. 'It's a wider car. More punch. The nose is more upright, more dominant. Taller. All the fenders, front and rear, are pushed out from the body – gives it more room to play with.' Marek makes a sculptor's gesture as he speaks, curving his fingers around invisible haunches. 'We have a massive benefit. That distance – that pressing distance for a rear arch – it's immense. Porsche, Mercedes, Bentley? They don't come close. What these new iterations have done is given more room for the clothing. It's what every show car does. Only we can actually do it.' But the kerb appeal is also down to pedestrians seeing the car from the right angles, at the right distance – because the way we view cars isn't up close but from afar. Not through detail, but silhouette. 'We never design within three metres,' he said. 'Always 20 metres away. We sketch on A2 paper. You need to understand the aesthetic in two dimensions to deploy it in three. You're not discovering the idea in 3D – you've already nailed it in 2D.' So where do the ideas begin? I wondered what was on the DB12's mood board – and was surprised by the route-one response. 'With DB12, believe it or not, it was James Bond. It was more about elegance, stature. Less of the rogue, more of the gentleman.' The car, in his mind, is a character. A type. Like a cast list on wheels. For the other cars, there are more. 'One of them was Idris Elba. Another was a buffalo. A bull. A large shark. And... I can't remember the other one,' he said, laughing. 'But the point is, we start with personality. We use characters to help the designers start their designing.' I asked what happens when engineering gets in the way – when the chassis says no, or the finance team wants it smaller, or the emissions team wants more vents. Reichman smiled. 'We have the benefit of controlling the platform,' he said, 'so when the engineers say 'better turn-in, three millimetres forward', we can actually do it.' The level of agility and influence, he pointed out, hasn't existed since the David Brown days. 'Then a bunch of stuff happened,' he said, dryly. 'But now it's back.' Credit, he noted, goes in part to Lawrence Stroll – not just for the money, but for bringing a kind of fashion-world rigour to branding. 'If you're a luxury brand – and we coined the term ultra luxury – you need consistency,' Reichman said. 'An artist may vary, but their expression is consistent. Rothko is always a Rothko. And our customers say, 'I own an Aston Martin', then they say which one.' So, I asked him if he were in one of Aston's new, super-jazzy NYC-inspired speccing pods at Gaydon, how would he spec a DB12? 'My next one's ultramarine black. Very dark blue with a black wheel and a dark night interior. Popped with a dark red calliper and red stitch. It's quite subtle, but not black. In sunlight, you see the blue. It's elegant and sporting. More dark denim jeans than dinner suit.' Quite the opposite of what he's rocked up to work in today – an orange over orange (is that orange squared?) DBX. But Marek again believes you should wear your cars like a wardrobe – especially in this ultra high-net-worth world – where, if you're going to a cocktail party at a beach club, you'll wear something slightly different to a night at the opera. And with our cars, you can do exactly that. Your character remains the same, but you can tune and tweak it for what you want. We spoke just as Trump introduced sweeping tariffs, another reminder that like it or not, cars are now entangled in the wider theatre of politics, policy, technology, and power. How does this affect Marek's thinking? 'I'm conscious of everything on a global scale that happens, because I have to be. As a designer. We're a respected brand – and that means we have to be conscious of everything that exists.' But that context, Reichman insists, comes with a unique advantage. 'We have a massive, massive bonus point in that we're a love brand. We are loved by many – we are. You get the thumbs up, not the finger up, when you drive our cars. People let you out in traffic in London.' You can't disappear in an Aston Martin. 'If you want to drive into London without being papped by a kid on a street corner, forget it. Because you will be papped in that car.' That visibility, he says, brings a responsibility. And part of that consciousness is a long view. 'We've made 113 years' worth of cars. 125,000 in total. And 96 per cent of them still exist.' His voice brightens slightly. 'So from that perspective, I'm creating a future collectible – not a throwaway object. So what I have to design – what we have to design – is something that, 50 years from now, people will still respect. Still appreciate. Still see as an object of beauty.' Well, if the cab drivers and beholders are anything to go by – with their shouts of 'That's GAWWWJUSSS!' – he's doing a pretty good job.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Aston Martin is first to bring new Apple CarPlay Ultra infotainment
Apps such as maps can now be mirrored on the car's instrument panel as well as its infotainment screen Aston Martin has become the first manufacturer to offer the second generation of Apple's in-car smartphone mirroring system. Apple CarPlay Ultra dramatically expands the amount of screen space that the Apple interface can occupy, entering the car's instrument display as well as its infotainment screen. This means users can display maps or media alongside the rev counter and speedometer. They will also be able to select one of various designs for the instruments, as well as personalised colours, backgrounds and screen layouts. Additionally, functions such as the climate and audio controls are now accessible via the CarPlay interface and can be adjusted using Apple's Siri voice assistant. 'Building on our in-house state-of-the-art infotainment system, CarPlay Ultra will provide additional functionality and personalisation opportunities which place Aston Martin at the forefront of infotainment in the sector,' said CEO Adrian Hallmark. The new system will first be rolled out in the US and Canada, then the UK and Europe within the next 12 months. CarPlay Ultra will be included as standard in the DB12, Vantage, Vanquish and DBX 707 from the 2025 model year, plus the new DBX S. Owners of existing cars with Aston Martin's latest-generation infotainment system (introduced with the launch of the DB12) will be offered a free software update at official dealerships. CarPlay was launched in 2014 and first featured in the Ferrari FF, with the California T following shortly thereafter. Aston Martin's current technology boss, Roberto Fedeli, held the same role at Ferrari at that time. By 2016, CarPlay had become an optional extra on many mainstream cars, such as the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Peugeot 208 and Volkswagen Golf, and today it's rare to see it omitted from the standard kit list on any new car. Notable exceptions include the Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model Y and Leapmotor models. ]]>
The Sun
17-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Aston Martin first carmaker to introduce Apple CarPlay Ultra globally
ASTON MARTIN has taken a bold step forward in the digital transformation of its vehicles by becoming the first car manufacturer in the world to offer Apple's next-generation CarPlay Ultra, solidifying its position at the intersection of automotive luxury and cutting-edge technology. CarPlay Ultra, unveiled as Apple's latest evolution of the CarPlay platform, is now available across new Aston Martin vehicles in the United States and Canada. The system will also be rolled out globally over the next 12 months and offered as an update to current models equipped with Aston Martin's next-generation infotainment system. Customers can expect the new technology in models such as the DBX, Vantage, DB12, and Vanquish, with updates for existing vehicles to follow in the coming weeks via the brand's dealership network. With the introduction of CarPlay Ultra, drivers are offered a fully integrated, intuitive digital experience that connects their iPhone seamlessly with both the infotainment touchscreen and the digital instrument cluster. The technology allows for real-time information display, personalised layout options, and full-screen map and media visualisation, enabling users to tailor their in-car experience with ease. This latest advancement reflects Aston Martin's ongoing commitment to elevating performance and luxury beyond traditional benchmarks. The integration of CarPlay Ultra is part of the marque's broader strategy to provide customers with advanced functionality and unmatched personalisation options. In collaboration with Apple, Aston Martin has ensured that the interface remains faithful to its distinctive design language while offering extensive customisation, including various themes for the digital dials, colour schemes, and wallpapers. CarPlay Ultra also allows users to operate core vehicle functions such as climate control and radio through the system, either via touchscreen, physical controls, or voice commands using Siri. In addition, widgets powered by iPhone can be added to both the infotainment display and the instrument cluster, giving drivers essential information at a glance while maintaining the visual elegance expected of the Aston Martin brand. The foundation for this integration lies in Aston Martin's bespoke infotainment system, which was first introduced with the DB12 in 2023. Developed entirely in-house, the system marks a pivotal shift for the British carmaker. By owning the software platform, Aston Martin has had the flexibility to work closely with Apple to ensure seamless compatibility with CarPlay Ultra and a consistent user interface that aligns with its luxury ethos. The infotainment system features a 10.25-inch Pure Black capacitive touchscreen capable of recognising single and multi-finger gestures. While digital control is central to the system's operation, key mechanical functions—such as gear selection, driving modes, heating, and ventilation—are operated via tactile buttons for precision and convenience. Override controls for chassis settings, electronic stability, exhaust sound, and parking assistance are also readily accessible, ensuring that driver engagement remains paramount. According to the brand's leadership, Aston Martin sees the adoption of CarPlay Ultra not only as a technological upgrade but also as a strategic move to enhance customer satisfaction through greater personalisation and functionality. The brand's CEO, Adrian Hallmark, stated that working with industry leaders like Apple exemplifies Aston Martin's mission to deliver more than just dynamic performance and handcrafted luxury—it also aims to deliver digital innovation that matches its reputation. Apple, in turn, has highlighted the partnership as a significant milestone in reimagining the in-car experience. CarPlay Ultra is designed to offer a more unified and consistent interface for drivers, combining the familiar capabilities of the iPhone with deep integration into the vehicle's digital systems. To access CarPlay Ultra, users will require an iPhone 12 or newer, running iOS 18.5 or later. With this rollout, Aston Martin continues to set benchmarks in the high-performance luxury sector, marrying heritage and modernity in its relentless pursuit of automotive excellence.
Express Tribune
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- Express Tribune
Aston Martin first to launch Apple's next-gen ‘CarPlay Ultra' software
Listen to article Aston Martin has become the first carmaker to integrate Apple's next-generation CarPlay Ultra system, marking a major step forward in in-car infotainment technology. Announced on Thursday, the updated system will roll out to all new Aston Martin models sold in the US and Canada, including the DB12, Vanquish, Vantage, and the latest DBX SUV — provided they feature the brand's post-2023 infotainment platform. Unlike previous versions, CarPlay Ultra takes full control of both the infotainment display and digital dashboard, offering granular customisation of instrument clusters, themes, and wallpapers. This includes speedometer, tachometer, and full-screen navigation layouts, all styled to match Aston Martin's distinctive design language. Apple's updated CarPlay also enables users to control climate, media, and vehicle settings using touch or Siri voice commands. Some essential functions, such as reverse camera feeds, will remain independent of the CarPlay interface. CarPlay Ultra requires an iPhone 12 or newer running iOS 18.5.4 or later. Aston Martin confirmed that eligible existing models will receive the upgrade via a dealer-installed software update in the coming weeks. The move places Apple in direct competition with Google's Android Auto, which already offers deep system integration in several car brands. Apple noted that Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis are also planning to support CarPlay Ultra soon. This long-awaited launch follows Apple's original 2022 promise of a more immersive CarPlay experience, although several brands listed then — including Mercedes-Benz — have since opted out of implementing the new platform.
TimesLIVE
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
Aston Martin is the first OEM to adopt new CarPlay Ultra
Aston Martin is the first manufacturer in the world to deliver Apple CarPlay Ultra to vehicles. The aim is to bring together the best of Aston Martin and the best of iPhone for the ultimate in-car experiences. Apple CarPlay Ultra builds on the capabilities of CarPlay with real-time information across the infotainment touch screen and the instrument cluster. Debuted on the the core Aston Martin sports car range, including the DBX, Vantage, DB12 and Vanquish. CarPlay Ultra comes as standard fitment on all new orders in the US and Canada. It will be available as an update in the coming weeks for Aston Martin models featuring the next generation infotainment system. Aston Martin CEO Adrian Hallmark said: 'Aston Martin is delighted to have collaborated with Apple and to be first to launch CarPlay Ultra. As a brand our focus on world leading performance goes beyond the traditional attributes associated with power trains, dynamic performance and craftsmanship." CarPlay Ultra will provide additional functionality and personalisation opportunities, and gives drivers a smarter, safer way to use their iPhone in the car. CarPlay Ultra extends to the instrument cluster, with seamlessly designed options for the speedometer and tachometer dials drivers can choose from and the ability to display maps and media in full screen, providing drivers a way to curate their own multi-screen set-up and the freedom to modify the layout. Drivers can choose from different instrument cluster themes while also able to tailor the colours and wallpapers to match their individual tastes. Vehicle functions such as radio and climate are managed from within CarPlay Ultra with touchscreen controls, physical buttons or Siri. Drivers can also add widgets powered by iPhone. Aston Martin said it has worked closely in partnership with Apple to ensure the in-house development works flawlessly to integrate CarPlay Ultra, and is consistent with the brand's design philosophy, and remains instantly recognisable as Aston Martin. The company introduced the next generation infotainment system in 2023 when debuting the new DB12 grand tourer. The new system also provides full online connectivity and is displayed using 10.25' Pure Black touchscreen technology with full capacitive single and multi-finger gesture control.
