Discussion
I just did some checks, the original official DB12 announcement ( https://media.astonmartin.com/introducing-the-asto...) mentions wireless CarPlay (a claim which has since been parroted in loads of articles/reviews over the past year):
media.astonmartin.com said:
The new system, which supports wireless Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™, is a fully integrated multi-screen system and displayed using 10.25 inch Pure Black, 1970x720 high-resolution screens with ultra-responsive (30ms reaction time) capacitive touch control.
Whereas the owner's guide page 9.8 (English PDF here: https://www.astonmartin.com/guides/RY53-19A321-AB-...) specifically and only instructs to use a USB cable for CarPlay, which is obviously the way it currently is. Interestingly, despite the announcement, the owner's guide makes no mention of Android Auto at all – I don't have an Android device so can't try it to see.DB12 Owner's Guide said:
1. Connect the device to a USB port with a suitable cable.
2. Select Connect and CarPlay fro m the main infotainment menu.
3. The Apple CarPlay menu will now open.
This makes me wonder, what other information in my nice hardback printed owner's guide will be made obsolete by software updates? Oh well, bring it on!2. Select Connect and CarPlay fro m the main infotainment menu.
3. The Apple CarPlay menu will now open.
Edited by atrossity on Sunday 14th April 14:38
Very positive review from Autocar: "What matters most is that, while finding ways to make this car more competitive with the likes of the Ferrari Roma than the DB11 was as a sporting prospect and more appealing as a driver’s car, Aston has preserved its supple ride, its authenticity of character as a muscular British-made GT and its classic big-engined-Aston appeal as a long-distance ‘continent crusher’. As a result, it has created what could be its most complete product in decades, but retained the soul of a DB car all the while."
New DB12 owners, does this chime well with your experience? https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/aston-martin/...
New DB12 owners, does this chime well with your experience? https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/aston-martin/...
I was speaking to my dealer at recent Vantage launch and he confirmed that a new software update is ready, but unfortunately due to its size it's not OTA – the car has to be brought in to get it installed. He says it fixes a whole bunch of big ticket items. I'm getting my DB12 booked in for it soon.
I took the liberty of spying the software version of the new Vantage on display, and it was 910.12.30 (compared to my DB12's 910.10.91).
I took the liberty of spying the software version of the new Vantage on display, and it was 910.12.30 (compared to my DB12's 910.10.91).
AlexT said:
Posted in January and a US car so was delivered first, a lot has been updated since then.Collected my volante yesterday, going on long trip from Friday so will find out!
atrossity said:
I was speaking to my dealer at recent Vantage launch and he confirmed that a new software update is ready, but unfortunately due to its size it's not OTA – the car has to be brought in to get it installed. He says it fixes a whole bunch of big ticket items. I'm getting my DB12 booked in for it soon.
I took the liberty of spying the software version of the new Vantage on display, and it was 910.12.30 (compared to my DB12's 910.10.91).
I just have got my car new from the dealer last Friday. My software version is 910.15.90, so I think you have to ask for this update already now. I took the liberty of spying the software version of the new Vantage on display, and it was 910.12.30 (compared to my DB12's 910.10.91).
Went for a drive in the new DB12.
Carbon ceramics were not grabby at all. Had a little more bite to them than I am used to but I easily adapted. Were silent also. Pleasant to use but not sure I would feel the need to option.
Interior a nice place to be. Definitely a step up from DB11 and really makes it seem dated.
New 15 speaker B&W system reasonably good. Needs quality source material and settings dialled in. Plenty of volume if that's your thing. Bass could be a little more punchy but overall clarity of system decent. I am hard to please with audio. Without hearing the base system, I would absolutely say this should be on your options list as I can't imagine the base would be much good in comparison. For next gen Vantage prospectives, note that the base system does not come with a sub.
Car wafted along in standard drive mode quite well. Suspension a little firm and crashy over bumps but this is understandable for the niche it is filling. Felt there could be a little more sound insulation for this segment though as I could hear the trans switch gears on occasion. Steering feel in this mode very assisted and light. Sports Plus tightens everything up and turns it into a proper sporting drive. Good feeling that the car is much smaller than it actually is....until you come to park it.
Sound is quite muted even with exhaust fully open.
Software seemed OK. Speed warning chimes to be sorted with a further update apparently.
Quality of switchgear is very good. Gear paddles are metal. I felt the gear selector could be more substantial for the DB12 though. Door panel felt a little loose as I was closing. Not sure if this is by design or not. Some imperfections on the rear leather (looked like small scars on the hide) which was surprising given Bridge of Weir selection standards for their AM semi-aniline. However, overall fit and finish was excellent.
Carbon ceramics were not grabby at all. Had a little more bite to them than I am used to but I easily adapted. Were silent also. Pleasant to use but not sure I would feel the need to option.
Interior a nice place to be. Definitely a step up from DB11 and really makes it seem dated.
New 15 speaker B&W system reasonably good. Needs quality source material and settings dialled in. Plenty of volume if that's your thing. Bass could be a little more punchy but overall clarity of system decent. I am hard to please with audio. Without hearing the base system, I would absolutely say this should be on your options list as I can't imagine the base would be much good in comparison. For next gen Vantage prospectives, note that the base system does not come with a sub.
Car wafted along in standard drive mode quite well. Suspension a little firm and crashy over bumps but this is understandable for the niche it is filling. Felt there could be a little more sound insulation for this segment though as I could hear the trans switch gears on occasion. Steering feel in this mode very assisted and light. Sports Plus tightens everything up and turns it into a proper sporting drive. Good feeling that the car is much smaller than it actually is....until you come to park it.
Sound is quite muted even with exhaust fully open.
Software seemed OK. Speed warning chimes to be sorted with a further update apparently.
Quality of switchgear is very good. Gear paddles are metal. I felt the gear selector could be more substantial for the DB12 though. Door panel felt a little loose as I was closing. Not sure if this is by design or not. Some imperfections on the rear leather (looked like small scars on the hide) which was surprising given Bridge of Weir selection standards for their AM semi-aniline. However, overall fit and finish was excellent.
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