staff@slashgear.com (Michael Teo Van Runkle)
2024-04-15 07:01:00
www.slashgear.com
Throughout, the V8 engine provides a perfect accompanying soundtrack, even with the convertible top in place. At lower RPMs, the boost builds progressively and predictably. Unlike so many smaller displacement turbocharged engines, this AMG mill actually celebrates the growing rush of forced induction. Doing so might well sacrifice 0-60 times but instead, amplifies the sensation of prodigious power welling deep from within the lengthy chassis.
Higher up in the rev range, even with the pedal nowhere near the metal, liftoff then prompts burbles and barks from the exhaust that only enhance the enticement to pull and pull again in a semi-ecstatic state of sublime shenanigans. Luckily, the Michelin PS5S tires live up to their PS4S forebears and displace water with just enough effectiveness to allow for such behavior without risking too much slip and slide.
Light steering, a spectacular twin-turbo V8, carbon-ceramic brakes—the latter never pushed near their limit on this day, sadly—and the rush of wind in more agreeable weather all combine to make the DB12 Volante quite an enjoyable way to play in the canyons. Then, when the sun started peeking through on the drive back down the Pacific Coast Highway, the grand-tourer aspirations shone through, as well. With the top laid back and windows left up against a chill, very little noise or buffeting enters the DB12’s serene cockpit to ruin the opulent experience.