The Rules of Engagement: Aston Martin DB12 S Drive
The first time I touched it, I felt like something was wrong
Sitting in the cockpit of the DB12S Drive, I thought I would be familiar with it-after all, the foundation of DB12 is good enough. But the moment the start button was pressed, the V8 's roar was replaced by a more subtle and cunning sound, like an old British gentleman suddenly whistling in your ear. The grip on the steering wheel is heavier than in memory, but the weight is not barbaric, but a warning of pushing back. Before I even had time to adjust the seat, I couldn't help but step on the first gas pedal-and then my back plunged directly into the carbon fiber seat.
Motivation? No, it's "power overload"
This 4.0-liter twin-turbine V8 should be redefined-it is not an "output" at all, but a "flood discharge". In Sports Plus mode, the throttle responds as fast as if I was stabbed by a needle, and every time I downshift and replenish oil, it feels like someone is kicking the seat behind me. What's even more outrageous is that the logic of the gearbox in S Drive mode has completely changed: it will bite the most suitable gear in the corner, and even if you just gently collect the oil, it will fill the empty throttle to maintain the speed. This is not a car, it is a pacemaker with wings.
The chassis is dancing, but you are the lead
To be honest, I was worried at first that the S Drive chassis would be the type that was so hard as to protest. What happened? It finds a weird balance between comfort and tightness-you can still feel the road texture when you pass the speed bump, but the vibration is filtered into a "civilized discomfort", more like a massage chair reminding you of the road. The steering feel is the key: it's light and almost neurotic, but precise enough to aim at a coin. I cut the direction in on the mountain road, and the rear of the car followed the front of the car to slide through a corner. The sense of synchronization made me almost laugh out loud. How is this a GT sports car? This is a street dancer wearing a GT coat.
Appearance? It's the kind of existence that makes people look back for a second or a third time
The front face of the DB12S Drive became even more fierce, especially the pair of matrix headlights, like a raptor squinting at its prey. The muscle lines on the side flow in the sun, and the light and shadow change like liquid. The most amazing thing is the rear of the car-the four exhaust pipes are no longer simply circular, but made into hexagons. The sound of the exhaust valve opening during ignition is like some kind of low ceremony. When I parked at a gas station, a big brother driving a 911 turned off the engine and got out of the car and ran over to see, muttering,"What the hell is this? It's too noisy." The expression on his face clearly said: He wants it.
Interior? Don't be fooled by the chrome and leather-it hides wild beasts inside
Open the car door and you think you're in some London gentlemen's club: hand-sewn leather, brushed aluminum picks, and wood veneer where you can smell the year. But if you look closely, the central control screen is no longer an old-fashioned knob, but a huge touch screen that responds as fast as an iPad. The seat is too wrapped-even a thin person like me is pinched until my ribs are sore, but you will appreciate this "abuse" when driving fiercely. The only thing that made me frown was that the position of the air conditioner outlet was a bit anti-human. If I lowered my head, my knees would hit it. Anyway, who cares? The interior of this car is not for you to take a comfortable nap, but for you to change your equipment before fighting.
After driving for a day, I began to doubt myself
I originally thought the DB12S Drive was just a regular upgrade, but it shredded my understanding of GT. It's no longer a traveling sports car that can cruise gracefully-although it does cruise, the S Drive mode is like opening up a Pandora's Box, making you always want to step on one step again and brake later. This kind of car will change your driving habits and even affect your personality: when driving it out of the parking lot, you will deliberately tap the accelerator with two more feet; when following a slow train, you will unconsciously use the exhaust sound to "rush" the car in front. This is not a car, this is a dangerous relationship agreement-you enjoy the pleasure of crossing the line, and you have to accept the price of losing control.
Finally, I have to tell the truth
If all you need is a GT that commutes every day and takes your family for a ride on weekends, a regular version of the DB12 is enough. But if you want a car that will make your heart beat faster at every traffic light, laugh at every corner, and look back for three more seconds after every stop-then sign these "rules of engagement". DB12 S Drive is not trying to please you, it is challenging you. And I am ready to lose everything.
