Is the Aston Martin DB12 Volante the Best GT Car On Sale? - TheSmokingTire

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We absolutely loved the Aston Martin DB12 when we drove it in the South of France last summer. It's gorgeous, fast, dynamic, and driver focused, plus it has software from this century (now done in-house). So what happens when you drop the top? Matt and Zack spent a day on the mountain with the new DB12 Volante to find out!
Aston Martin provided the car, insurance, and fuel for this review.
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Is the Aston Martin DB12 Volante the Best GT Car On Sale? - TheSmokingTire
#astonmartindb12
#DB12Volante

[@TheSmokingTire]

Use code TST50 to get 50% OFF your first Factor box plus 20% off your next box at bit.ly/48g8rh7! Thank you to Factor for sponsoring this video.

[@rpitneyjr]

The "beepy" music cut when Matt says he wants to talk about all the beeping was perfect!

[@Tomatohater64]

Although I'm definitely more of a coupe guy, I have to admit that this looks sharp and convertible addicts should love the DB12 Volante. I'll take the DB12 coupe in Minotaur Green.

[@bk_nreynolds3278]

While I don’t think that the recent Aston designs are as timeless as the Callum designs, they’re still striking compared to contemporary competition. They just always seem to have very garish wheel designs that almost look aftermarket and that don’t fit the elegant design of the car they’re fitted on

[@matmul4850]

Agree with all you said

[@richjohn9356]

Actually love the wheel designs and the choices , so much better than. Ferrari

[@bk_nreynolds3278]

@@richjohn9356 beauty is subjective! I haven’t been a fan of most of what Ferrari has done since they stopped working with pininfarina but I think the 296 is absolutely stunning

[@AP-op4rc]

All the new ones look like toasted garbage imo. They were always the subtle sports gt company, where if you knew, you knew what you were looking at, and if you didn’t, then the car wasn’t intended to be seen at all. The lines and proportions were everything before. Now they look like caricatures of the older cars.

[@bk_nreynolds3278]

@@AP-op4rc I definitely don’t think they look as good as the designs of old, but I still think they’re sharp

[@MichaelPunished]

Aston have really turned a corner it feels like. You no longer have to make excuses for them - their new cars are just plain good

[@jpl8878]

On the rivals: the Portofino has been discontinued so there's no point discussing it. The Roma Spyder is the most direct competitor to the DB12. It's 2+2 (not 2 seats only as Matt said), leans heavily toward the sporty end of the GT spectrum, and the styling is arguably more traditional Aston Martin than the DB12 itself. The other close-ish rival is the Maserati Grancabrio, but of course you guys haven't driven it yet as I don't think anyone has. The only others are the M8 and LC500, but an Aston buyer probably isn't looking at those.

[@MercOne]

I agree.

[@technom3598]

The roma spyder does not look more aston than this aston. You woukd have to be absolutely blind or a bell end to come to thag conclusion. Also matt says the back seat in the roma spyder is non existent which is hyoerbole... But the back seat is NOT usable really to any degree

[@EthanKlassen00]

That audio issue sounds like the feedback I would get from my radio when I would play music through my cassette adapter 😂

[@ChazAdams]

This color is so sharp

[@gavinsullivan9015]

I sat in a coupe in Melbourne recently and that wood trim is so tactile and lush - Love me an Aston, one day…

[@rescyn1190]

The lane departure nonsense is EU regs not UK (although the statement 'that is a new law in the UK' is still technically correct). I expect new services to code that stuff out popping up shortly (MOTs are visual inspection so won't ever catch it).

[@jjpg2000]

Loving the content guys. Thank you for keeping it up.

[@richjohn9356]

So much nicer than a Roma spider, which is terrible from the side profile and the touch buttons and plastics are terrible in the Ferrari

[@gky3019]

Roma spider looks miles better. Apart from the Mercedes-feel in the Aston Martin, it’s a great car. Hate that they ditched the V12…

[@andyp8464]

Good to see they're getting 670hp from that workhorse AMG engine

[@paultucker1272]

The DB12 is the best looking car on sale. Full stop. Just beautiful. The Lane Departure Warning (and Speed Limit Warning) are (stupid) EU legislation. Despite the UK no longer being part of the EU, our cars still adhere to all their laws. I wish they didn't.

[@gregmayled]

Very good review!

[@motorvatorv888]

Great drive of a wonderful car. Aston is on great form right now.

[@gustavoflorio5383]

Always top content from you, guys! Can't live without TST!

[@mikegaul1623]

What a gorgeous car. Love your content, Matt and Zach.

[@vipstarizm6990]

Great review

[@markward3242]

Great review 🫡🇬🇧

[@throttlebodymedia136]

Gorgeous car and nice review! The lane departure ‘feature’ is annoying but not a deal breaker.

[@jareknowak8712]

Absolutely stunning color !!!

[@acx2035]

I still like the DB11 more personally although this is arguably a better car in nearly every regard. I just like the smaller grill of the DB11, the way the hood opens and the V12.

[@jhawkins05]

I would be curious to hear your thoughts on the Aston vs the LC500 convertible outside of the pure speed difference.

[@travish3130]

Same here! I’m currently in the LC 500 and it’s superb.

[@2bunphettered788]

Sounds awesome! 🩵👍🏽

[@deathcab4booty]

Wheels look like someone at Aston sorted by lowest price on CARiD. other than that, bangin' car

[@rileyhaynes4669]

The chime you’re hearing might be the speed limit alert, which can be modified in the settings.

[@92naz32]

I'm not a big fan of topless cars, but Aston got this one right. I couldn't put my finger on why until they mentioned how the car doesn't have the typical convertible "hunchback." The lines of the car are fabulous and with the top up it looks like the coupe. Beautiful car.

[@GODOFGUITAR2112]

I’m glad Aston finally has an interior as nice as the exterior is pretty

[@PeteRench]

Maybe the perfect DB12 spec? Great review, as always!

[@JDsHouseofHobbies]

You guys would hate the Freightliners we have where I work. The lane departure/ rightside blind spot monitor is beyond annying. It screams through the stereo even when you have the radio off and when you turn it off, it only stays off for about 15 minutes and then comes back on.

[@EthanKlassen00]

Jesus that would drive me insane. Glad our old grain trucks don't have that 😂

[@JDsHouseofHobbies]

@EthanKlassen00 It's one of the reasons that I want to retire. Too many computers and not enough skill.

[@richjohn9356]

Miss the beautiful speedo gauges also 😢. But aside from that this is the car to have in this category. Saw one in silver omg beautiful

[@therealcarsandchrono]

Test drove this DB12 volante. Beautiful brutal and so compliant. But no lift was deal breaker here in LA for me.

[@douglevyphoto]

I wonder if you can code out the departure warning with some cheap OBD reader.

[@discoinerror5886]

This is a killer road!

[@gregorygant4242]

Great looking car, nice color , awesome sounding engine made by who else but AMG , masters of engine making . A stunner !

[@superchargedsteve3411]

You guys got the beautiful baby blue spec, everyone else got the metallic turd brown one with butterscotch interior.

[@JabbaTheHutWasHere]

Great review! They should delete those rear seats once and for all and make a bigger rear boot space suitable for real road trips.

[@mmahtnart8986]

Are you on the Mulholland Snake Road or the Snake Curve? I can't remember where/what it's called.

[@thatguy-oz9ib]

What a great looking car

[@starrdogchamp1]

Aston Martin my dream car.

[@Simon-du7yx]

The Lane departure issue is down to NCAP and European legislation, not just the UK. They aren’t going to change that just for the US.

[@EAzThaKing]

Hopefully I get one used next year after they depreciate some.

[@edisonyoung4693]

How does this compare with the new Maserati Granturismo convertible? Thought they are similar money?

[@jpl8878]

The Maserati is a fair bit less expensive. Consensus based on the coupe is that the Maserati is more relaxed, so if you prefer less aggressive driving it's probably the better buy.

[@Petrospect]

That color is a bit R53 for me but what a color combo, I think looks alone would sell me over a Bentley. And, okay, Bentleys are cool and all but Aston Martins have a cache that not even a nepo baby in F1 would kill for me, it's just a supreme badge. The noise, I have to say, vs the DB11 sounds improved as well! Not quite AMG in the wrong body anymore, it sounds like its own thing and the interior being button'd up again. God. Astons make unique cars. Not many people can claim that anymore. Love it! I'd do Volante now seeing as the body is stiff now vs DB9 era!

[@jareknowak8712]

This color is absolutely perfect!

[@cbotten106]

That is a real beauty right there. I'd take the coupe but you wouldn't have to twist my arm too far. 🤣 The beeping was obnoxious, I honestly don't remember that in the coupe review...weird.

[@jl7676]

God those wheels look like they came from Autozone

[@yungdadi]

So I watched Matt's videos from the time his hair was black to his hair grey. Still feel like his review of the SLR was more of hate than review

[@joshuakhaos4451]

His old SLR video is one of my all time favorite videos.

[@jerrywarren2007]

I don't understand the Porofino references and comparison as that model is kaput. Nice that Stroll has invested in AM, still lousy that they don't make their own mill.

[@jareknowak8712]

afaik Portofino is still avaliable as new.

[@jpl8878]

@@jareknowak8712 the Portofino was discontinued at the end of last year to make way for the Roma Spyder (which is 2+2, contrary to what Matt said).

[@technom3598]

​@@jpl8878the back seat is BS. Its not usuable at all. Like not even for a 6 year old.

[@jpl8878]

@@technom3598 who can or can't fit in it isn't my point. My point is that there are back seats, which can be used in a pinch for a few miles, or at the very least provide in cabin storage that a 2 seater cannot. However small the rear seats, they offer added practicality over a 2 seater.

[@technom3598]

@@jpl8878 have you seen them? You can't do shit with them. The back rest is at an impossible angle there is no hip room. Your ass won't fit in the seat... Seat cushion so low your knees would be in your face but doesn't matter because the seat won't return anyway

[@johnadams8212]

What’s that watch that Matt’s wearing?

[@starrdogchamp1]

Gorgeous

[@Mexxx65]

nice color and spec car that one boys...enough power though?

[@certifiedbidry]

Gorgeous colour

[@CptAngelKGaming]

Can we also see the road please like we used to? The whole point of those videos was to get a feel for the car and enjoy your driving and the scenery. Might as well upload audio only with some pictures at this point..

[@jordanthomson7682]

I gotta say It looks great 👍

[@misterpacha1]

U giys have to try the portofino m though.

[@OdyTypeR]

9:55 - It's also entirely Aston's choice to bury it that deep in the menus... But yeah, for US spec cars, you should be able to include the nanny-toggled-off setting with your drive mode presets.

[@dash-ryan]

I dunno. If I was in the market for a large great sounding V8 rear drive grand tourer, I'd get the Lexus LC at third the price.

[@louKushh]

they're not really the same class.

[@aspiratedaloha2946]

Proper dream car

[@DarioForte]

two comments: 1) the Roma Spider is a 4 seater. 2) is there any button (like in the 911) able to execute a custom action? if so, then it could be used to deactivate the bing bong.

[@theo.cary_5142]

Hey! that’s my favorite canyon road!

[@theo.cary_5142]

that gti that passed in the background has chased me in my nc2. stupid fun times

[@starfox_wr-45e93]

A spy balloon? Really? 🤣 No wonder development costs are rising lol

[@dereksalley7231]

Having watched your review along with one from the other side of the Atlantic, your comments about getting noticed in a crowd can’t be argued, but with drive experience, quality and ownership experience considered, the King of this category remains the 911 Turbo S Cab, without a doubt. Your suggestion that 911 types can’t be discerned, loses credibility when you mention the T and S/T- both hardtop only, against cabriolets. Turbo/Turbo S cabs stand out among their siblings. Aston’s stitching on the dash of the UK car and the door handle access would be enough proof, but Aston still has a ways to go before the quality and ownership pieces are on par with vehicles costing less and performing better…

[@louKushh]

turbo cab is such a boring choice, and to the non-porschephile, is just another 911.

[@blueridge8992]

Can’t wait for the Hyundai video. I gotta see those special features in action.

[@arottenmango8505]

wait why did they do away with the aston gauge cluster?

[@lune3613]

Yes lawd

[@travish3130]

How come no one mentions the Lexus LC 500 when comparing other models?

[@mochabear88]

ty

[@JLU55]

If you didn't know, and you were looking at that convertible from the side👀... you would swear it was an F-Type Jaguar. 🤨😲

[@johnwilliams727]

You guys should put these cars on a set of scales to keep things honest. I think it would be an easy thing to do to add value to the videos

[@ClaytonYatescarenthusiast]

Matt looks super high 😆

[@markpass4215]

Just a gorgeous car…stunning…so much more attractive and stylish than the Ferrari Roma from every angle…and with more power, a better interior, infotainment and No Ferrari Haptic Button fixation…..prancing horse 🙈👋👋👋

[@pikachusolu1606]

Aston martin is back in the game. The new vantage is 10 out of 10.

[@danielwilliams1921]

The carwow guy did a nice review and found weirdness in the up and down of the rear windows. You guys experience anything like that?

[@neilhealey6187]

Glad they have returned to the swept back lights. Wait for Jaguar to follow suit on the Fa Type…again! Awesome car, apart from that horrible black swoop thing behind the front wheels, why? It ruins the shape and look of the car from the side.

[@e30ogPlayground]

bangin

[@Finnspin_unicycles]

Maybe it's better in person, but isn't this a bit odd looking from most angles? Wheels seem too big from the side, grill looks massive from the front (in a bad way), taillights are very strange from some angles. Not bad as the main proportions are still good, but just kind of odd design choices to my eyes.

[@kappatalism4760]

Is it 3 times better than an LC500?

[@mariokajin]

From the proportions this car looks like a MB SL with AM skin. 😈

[@bman828]

Let’s go!

[@avmelidor]

Aston my Aston

[@scottbowers7248]

Aston’s just look right.

[@dbeckMSP]

wow that law is annoying. our subaru has a hard button and it stays off permanently which is great for boston roads avoiding pot holes and busses.

[@brianrainey2739]

Lawrence is gonna fund the F1 team with replacement splitter sales for this car….

[@srsbsns7673]

Great video but the pops, crackles, and other audio hiccups were *really* distracting.

[@herme99]

Does the car need to be so big?

[@John.Christopher]

Sweet

[@chartreusenematoad9451]

im surprised how low the front end is, it looks as low as a gt3 rs . the plastic air vents are unacceptable at this price point

[@pulDag]

NFS Most Wanter stage 3 bodykit 🎉

[@BorisBidjanSaberi11]

That looks real nice. Wheels a bit fat though

[@carlmorgan2859]

Is Gavin Newsom, Your Super Hero 😅😂😅

[@cromulentparty]

Roma spider has back seats but it would be a better car without them.

[@naiart82]

Ferrari Roma any day.

[@porscherain]

Are you two wearing watches on your right for any reason other than airtime ?

[@Bob_Smith19]

They’re left handed.

[@matmul4850]

Watch always on left wrist

[@Bob_Smith19]

@@matmul4850You gonna wear a destro on your left wrist? Or do you have to look up what one is first? You are going to beat the shit of your watch wearing it on your dominant hand.

[@louKushh]

​@@Bob_Smith19weren't the crowns on the right in this video? wouldn't that make them backwards?

[@cafe405]

I can't focus on the commentary when that watch is all up in my face.

[@Catch_The_Irishman]

Still subscribed but have not watched a video in years. Do you still suffer from TDS or are you back to just great cars and great drives? Peace.

[@mmahtnart8986]

You keep saying the car is big, do you mean that a 6'4" person like myself would be comfortable behind the wheel? I'm thinking you mean exterior dimensions )-; What do you mean that this is a big car? Heavy?

[@ZeGermanHam]

These high price exotics really do need nice analogue gauges in them, not this digital screen BS.

[@hughmann1908]

Nice car, too much money

[@CaptainTonus]

Raise your hand if you thought you were getting a Teams call during this video 🖐