The New DB12: An Aston Martin with a bit of Ferrari? | Henry Catchpole - The Driver’s Seat

The new Aston Martin DB12 is a crucial car for the British company. Why? Because it represents the first of a new generation. A new Vantage is also expected before long and Valhalla is waiting in the wings as well. What’s more, Aston is keen that these new cars should better reflect a company that has a Formula One team - and a rather good one at that.
As such, greater performance is the order of the day for Alonso’s new company car and although there is no longer a V12 option the familiar 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 has been pumped up to produce a startling 671bhp and 590lb ft of torque. Can the rest of the car cope with that? Well, let’s just say that this is a DB with an E-diff for the first time and it looks like it’s got the tyres for the job, with wide new Michelin Pilot Sport 5 S rubber wrapping the new forged wheels.
This more sporting bent to the car is intended to position the DB12 (and Aston as a whole) directly between Bentley and Ferrari. A new skew towards the famous Italian marque is perhaps no surprise because the latest man to slip behind the big desk in the fanciest corner office at Gaydon is none other than Amadeo Felisa - ex-CEO at Ferrari.
Since he took over from Tobias Moers in 2022, Felisa has brought in various engineers with Maranello knowhow to help guide the development of the new generation of cars. Can you feel this influence in the DB12 (which Aston Martin is positioning as the world’s first Super Tourer)? You’ll have to watch the film to find out…
We had the run of the roads in the South of France but within the test route there was one particular stretch of tarmac that it seemed appropriate to visit. In the James Bond film GoldenEye, 007 drives his famous Aston Martin DB5 in an impromptu race against a Ferrari 355 GTS with Xenia Onatopp behind the wheel. This scene with Pierce Brosnan and Famke Janssen takes place on a set of spectacular roads not far from the Route Napoleon, so that’s where we went. With a new, silver DB at our disposal it would have been rude not to.
We hope you enjoy the film and the spectacular scenery. If you feel compelled to support Hagerty in some way then perhaps have a look at a Drivers Club membership, which comes with a whole host of benefits: bit.ly/Join-HDC-Henry
Or just share the film with others and spread the word about the channel - it really helps. See you next time for something else that has a blend of British and Italian…
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Like what you see? Watch our other series including:
Redline Rebuilds | Time-lapse engine rebuilds from start to finish bit.ly/RedlineRebuild
Barn Find Hunter | Tom Cotter searches the country for abandoned cars bit.ly/BarnFIndHunter
Jason Cammisa on the Icons | The definitive car review
bit.ly/JasonCammisaICONS
Revelations | Untold Stories About Automotive Legends with Jason Cammisa
bit.ly/JasonCammisaRevelations
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[@barsaf9989]

Hagerty did a great job of picking up Henry. I imagine what happened was a top guy at Hagerty said he wanted Henry and didn't care what it would take to do so. Great decision.

[@moogle68]

I think that whoever got Jason Cammisa (or maybe it was just Jason himself), also got Henry. I have never seen Jason do a cameo in one of Henry's vids, but I think of Henry as the British version of Jason, he has the perfect personality for attracting British and European viewers and knows what they like/want, whereas Jason has the perfect personality to attract US viewers and knows the American market just as well as Henry knows his.

[@Suprahampton]

I'd love to see Henry have an appearance on the Carmudgeon Show

[@thulanijamnda7243]

You nailed it 🤣🤣🙆‍♂️

[@JackGore78]

@@Suprahampton they've definitely got to make it happen

[@dancinglizard3080]

He's the next chris harris imo

[@davidyackell]

Henry is one of thee best presenters on KZbin. I watched his Carfecrion channel religiously. Too many channels try to be over the top with humor to the point of exhaustion. Henry has a wit and dry sense of humor that is unparalleled, all while conveying the right amount of information.

[@andrewthompson6893]

One of my favorite presenters mentions one of my favorite books while driving one of my dream cars. Don't ever change Henry, you're one of the delicious details of life.

[@CodeineAbdulJabbar]

Pause

[@Anarzist]

Oh which book did he mention? Did not register it, sorry

[@robertcook2572]

@@Anarzist Mein Kampf

[@Metal05]

Get a room. Delicious? 🤔

[@reynhart66]

@@Anarzist" The perfume " from Patrick Suskind, a short novel and a fantastic lecture. Highly recommended

[@richjohn9356]

Thank you Hagerty for giving us Henry, the best automotive partnership ❤

[@PookDaWook]

Wow. Just unparalleled cinematography from the people at Hagerty. They made an already beautiful car present even better

[@geraint8989]

KZbin recommends a DB12 review, so I know Aston Martin must have handed out some press cars… so I search for Henry Catchpole and there it is! I am the champion of KZbin!

[@warrenh8709]

Henry is one of my favorite people to watch talk about cars

[@theblackhand6485]

Yes. With glasses that is. Without he is scary eyeballing us 👻

[@The_R-n-I_Guy]

I like buttons, switches and dials. Touch screens are good for phones, tablets and even computers. But when you're in control of a 4000 pound vehicle. You need to be able to reach over and change the radio or hvac without taking your eyes off the road. Can't do that with a touch screen.

[@Smiding]

Then you are in luck cause those cars are a lot cheaper.

[@GarageSupra]

So I think Henry should play as the next Q in the next 007 movie. I can just see him explaining the features and weapons this thing has to Bond in harmony.

[@AB_Uploads]

Here’s a great idea

[@ichiban8558]

Huge Henry Catchpole fan here too. There's just no substitute for old school journalism in the automotive world.

[@oggie1967]

I’m kind of late to the whole Henry Catchpole party, but boy can he get a story across! Knowledgeable & eloquent! More please!👍👏👏👏😊

[@OriginalAbsolute]

Catchpole is one of most normal people on this planet. Knowledgeable, Skillful left handed and wears watch on right. Dude is basically me.

[@MichaelAllen-td1uu]

The stem comes into to play when a watch is worn on your right arm.

[@kelvinc592]

Thanks Mr. Wolverine... I still am amazed we get this level of content effectively for free. Thanks Hagerty and great review!

[@faba6753]

Henry speaks with such poetry. Love his takes and props to the cinematographer. Amazing job.

[@pooroldnostradamus]

Aston Martin's design department could not put a foot wrong if they wanted to

[@danieldickson4656]

Bmw hitting every other branch 😂

[@toxicgracie3772]

​@@danieldickson4656I was literally just thinking that BMW is the complete opposite 😂

[@ClinicalDecisionYikesYT]

Yeah this new Miata is stunning 😂😂😂 room temperature IQ take

[@mrebear9758]

Much prefer the Callum Fisker era

[@GhibliNova]

They are getting uglier though

[@andrewsalomon4534]

What an excellent production, more with Henry please!

[@joevanseeters2873]

Henry is a true gem in the automotive journalism arena. I really enjoy all of his reporting on any vehicle he is reviewing.

[@ReptileCrib73]

I would have like round lights in the rear as an homage of the DB5. It would have looked really nice on the DB12 I think.

[@mirkomarjanovic3234]

Hmmm, I think that would be quite nice, actually.

[@JohnBodu]

What a storytelling... What a cinematography... What a car... Thank you guys! You're just damn good ❤

[@fifieuskadi]

Very good review. Top notch video editing. Keep up with the good work Hag! 👍🏼

[@technom3598]

This is one of the best filmed and produced videos ina very very long time from any channel. Seriously one of the very best pieces of automotive video journalism ever recorded. Absolutely outstanding

[@patrickdgarez86]

Always such a pleasure to see a HC video pop up and that Hagerty has recognized his incredible worth, in the automotive journalistic sphere. Now an OG. Thank you for including a quick shot of the cabin at night. It shows what an incredible advancement AM has made in an area that was so desperately in need of an evolution. Suddenly, the DB is desirable again.

[@ImClaux]

These videos are amazing. Henry and Cammisa are the crème de la crème. It's hard not to watch the videos coming from them, they're just so good. I hope Hagerty could manage some more views because this content is just amazing.

[@antoniolleradam9354]

Well, that's a mix of emotions. As usual with Henry's videos since former Carfection, they are an absolute pleasure to look at, for both the valuable information he gives of the car and also the beautiful landscapes of the locations chosen. Regarding the product itself, I feel pros and cons: it is a bit confusing being called DB...12 ! now that it has definitely lost the V12!, although it must be admitted that the V8 AMG may be a better option for weight distribution and the better handling and front axle agility that Henry feels. An outstanding pro is the deployment of buttons and the rotary dial, as Henry does not miss to point out; a huge bravo for this. On the other side, I can see that the gearshift paddles now turn with the steering wheel instead of being fixed tot the column, and although they are long enough to be found in most situations, I still think this is a rearwards step, shame!

[@sickjohnson]

Good to see another awesome video with Henry again!

[@cyclemike5182]

I'd willingly pay to watch these amazing quality films at the cinema. Next one in IMAX PLEASE!

[@jameshampton8730]

You take car reviews to a whole new level with your eloquence and knowledge. Thank you

[@Nah5534]

Henry is by far the most enjoyable car journalist to listen to. Theres a certain class and feeling his narration and videos give that you cant find anywhere else

[@davidevans5691]

So glad I found you again Henry. Love your reports and observations.

[@carloc8763]

What a brilliant video, accompanied by detailed commentaries from an evidently very competent driver. Bravo Henry!

[@peterclifton6312]

Another absolute top class video. Great intro love the look of the Aston Martin now the interior is on point and one of the best hosts out there, telling us all about it cracking job 👏

[@DenHvideHund]

This is how you present a new car. Superb presentation Hagerty

[@user-lz3jz5kj3n]

I'm glad Aston is getting their act together. This is one brand i don't want to see fail. Very nice car.

[@CertainlySpooky]

Aston are under rated. Great video, Henry's reviews are always worth watching.

[@phrouleau]

Quite nice to see you back Henry! Best writer for car review and proving it again! Thanks

[@robertlangley1664]

Great to see Henry again doing what he does best bring great cars for us 👍👍

[@Schuey_M]

Amazing video, car and presentation. Excellent work.

[@sorenklausbo5685]

Beautiful video. The best looking AM in decades (especially inside) And most important to mention; Henry Catchpole is the king of car reviewers! 🙏💪🏁

[@niclebowski9214]

I can finally say that this content is better than any other automotive TV show in this moment.

[@johnedds2327]

Car, commentary, scenery and production values; excellent as always. Thank you.

[@Unkn0wnz_anon]

Hagerty back at it again!

[@martinuso7446]

The name is Catchpole... Henry Catchpole... Very, very nice review. Beautiful shots. Thank you.

[@jodleur]

I love Henri's content and presentation skills. Good luck at the new job and glad to have you back. As an Aston & 007 addict, allow me to have noticed a licence plate error @9:42 BMT 214A vs correct BMT 216A!

[@tamasszabo8824]

Indeed.

[@ianadams4057]

The standard by which we judge the others, another fantastic review. Thank you Mr Catchpole.

[@fredlee9884]

Henry Cathpole. You are one of the best in the business. I appreciate the hard work you put into all your videos.

[@alanwechsler9850]

Amazing. A movie, history lesson, a novel, a documentary all wrapped up in the guise of an automotive journalist’s impeccable deep dive into a new offering. Marvelous.

[@gavinsullivan9015]

Came here first to see Henry cos he’s the best 👍 not a revolutionary at but brought up to date with the times. With the badge and the design you’d hope it would sell well. Altho that black square at the front end could be integrated better!

[@MegaRetr]

Very good review. Top notch video editing

[@The_R-n-I_Guy]

I know I'll never own a car anything like this. But I do hope that someday I will at least be able to drive something this good so I can feel it for myself. I've only driven junk really. Except for the few nice cars I've gotten to drive at work. But they were customer cars so I had to be gentle with them.

[@pdcichosz]

Damn it! I can't insure my car at Hagerty here but I want to just as a way to thank them for gathering Henry and Jason (and Anthony Esposito!!!) under one umbrella and giving them the opportunity to do THIS.

[@user-gk8qn4zj5k]

Best car reviewer on the Internet. Insightful and fair--with a positive bent but not a manufacturer's toady . . . love his work.

[@cbotten106]

Never saw a Carfection video but this review is nicely put together. Love the historical facts and those sights, sounds and opinions.

[@amiller2121]

Great review. The new interior looks unbelievably good!

[@shankarbalan3813]

Superb. Catchpole at his best. Good on yer Hagerty, you got yourself a star!

[@johnc6040]

Love this review and reviewer. Real class act and knowledge beyond most. Well done Hagerty

[@robinpratt1541]

Brilliant as always Henry, so many good points but I think your endpiece is very special and appropriate!

[@DavidParker-sx5ps]

Another quality production. Well done. Cool car too.

[@michaelhughes3302]

Skipped the TG and MrJWXYZ guy's review videos and thankfully found yours. Henry's still the man for the job, as far as I'm concerned. Loved that your press car was in Bond silver. Great job as always Hagerty. You definitely employ the best folks for the job.

[@vladislavdimitrov4646]

MrJWXYZ?

[@jonathanharvey2156]

@@vladislavdimitrov4646 He’s talking about mr jww…

[@ilandman4evr]

Epic car review Henry. Eye candy everywhere just the way we love it. Cheers

[@rotatoryrotisserie3619]

What a beuatifully thoughtful view of a car. Superb work.

[@albertperks3476]

Nothing like the latest Aston in a cinematic setting. Fingers crossed that the DB12 is everything we hope from AM - certainly looks/sounds like it's up there with the best.

[@4rdF1Hunny]

Lawrence Stroll really stepping this company up!

[@richjohn9356]

Yes , just has to get Nando to replace his son and then job done 😂

[@4rdF1Hunny]

@@richjohn9356 Him or Leclerc!

[@PMichaelG]

The best DB12 review in video quality, editing and info..

[@jmfangio286]

Nice to see you again Henry.

[@jordanseay216]

This is reminiscent of those top gear/grand tour new car reviews. It’s sick!

[@luke_3_113]

Beautiful car and beautiful video. Seems like Aston Martin have produced an excellent car, and given how ridiculous the price of some other cars these days, I thought the price-point was quite good - it's all relative!

[@jamiebird8302]

Great to see Henry back. Brilliant presenter

[@jjtpatt123p2]

I love the way Henry presents these cars, I think he's one of the best going right now.

[@Atipical_]

Henry Catchpole + new Aston = instant like

[@bigprocrastinator]

If Aston could sell only one coupe this would be it. Great job. Kudos

[@gsmith207]

Well ya got me. Would love to try one of these out. Great vid! Would not have known about this if I didn’t watch it, guess in the US we get no Ads except for KZbin. Now about the dealership close to Maine…

[@benking9277]

Would love to see a watch collection video from Henry, is that a Scurfa I spot on the wrist?

[@jonathanharvey2156]

Yes, i agree, it’d be great to find out about the watches, I do know he has at least one bremont…

[@mhj360]

Yes, Scurfa Diver One no date.

[@TherealLorinser]

Good to see Henry back.

[@kamasu4222]

Amazing production as always.

[@stalearseth9985]

Nice to see you on KZbin again, missed you...

[@nl3712]

Fantastic vid, thanks to henry and hagerty

[@peterlinks1547]

Thank god I found you back again on the KZbin Henry!

[@catonehere]

Reg plates containing DB12. Wish I put them all up last year.

[@glennduncan6843]

Thanks for this. Finally an Aston Martin that just looks terrific, in fact near perfect. I think all agree that Aston Martin had lost their way for over a decade and a half, but the DB12 has definitely bought back the glamour, luscious curves and I want that, feeling. Need to see DB12, as instrument binnacle looks a bit small, angle of screen re reflection, and is there a sun roof? Small queries for an otherwise superb car.

[@MrC72k]

Opening shots reminiscent of Top Gear with the trio, great presentation throughout, engaging and truly knowledgable

[@Absilon13]

Sir Henry Cathcpole one of the legends of automotive journalism world.

[@jmlupoludowicy1239]

Lovely video Mr Catchpole but shouldn’t you have worn a Seamaster? 😜

[@richardcarter1000]

Looks great. You're tempting me into another Aston. Hope the dealers have improved

[@duffydon1741]

Henry is a bloody super reviewer, top class lad, up there with Rori, I’m here for Henry!

[@fatbikedad384]

Great review!

[@blueray7176]

Finally Aston Martin has upgraded it's interior to what I'd expect from such a legendary sport car.

[@paulthomson9014]

Yeh aston interiors up until the db7 were always amazing went a bit down hill when they went Mass produced

[@blueray7176]

@@paulthomson9014 That’s interesting I thought they were always hand built

[@paulthomson9014]

@@blueray7176 the v550 type was the last hand built aston from Newport Pagnell factory , from db7 onwards moved to a new factory at Gaydon and were all machine built

[@billminkowitz3710]

Third review I’ve seen of this car. Within the first minute I knew it was going to be the first which really understood this vehicle.

[@mikerayner5938]

Absolute quality. Thank you.

[@wernerdedecker6003]

Finally AM got the interior design right. Well done. Love it.

[@James-pl2oy]

What’s the black piece that bisects the lower lip of the grill? The housing for the radar? Breaks up the clean line of the fascia

[@alanwayte432]

I never purchased a DB11 due to the interior, this looks to rival Bentley for design, and Aston Leather is always superb...well done test drive coming

[@zNYGv]

I wonder what the road noise levels are like with the new wider tires. Its important when claiming to be a gt car and something the 911 turbo has always fallen short on. Any input, Henry?

[@shirleyboy8859]

Some people have it, some don`t........ Henry has it by the Bucket load...... Nuff said..... Great review Young Henry...You have made me want one even though I can`t afford the air in the tyres!!! :-))

[@acbdef9665]

Always nice to watch beauty :)

[@AndyNC]

Great presentation. I'm glad that Aston Martin is back on that level. Is that a Scurfa on your wrist?

[@LiberaNosAMalo]

An absolute work of art! 👏🏼 Nice work Aston Martin.

[@BrendanEvan]

Wherever Henry goes to make videos, I’ll be there….but, you know, not in a creepy way.

[@timmason5230]

Thanks Henry! Well done Aston!

[@jameswingrove7421]

I always thought it was BMT 216 A? Either way, the DB12 shows Aston is on fine form at the moment. Great review Henry.

[@craigmoy5428]

Another awesome clip on an amazing car

[@budwise7332]

Excerlent review 👏