It seems that the Aston Martin DB11-B, marketed as the “all new DB12,” may be difficult to fully embrace. Some may view the marketing strategy as a bit of a gamble, with Aston Martin hoping to capitalize on the consumer’s willingness to buy into the hype. It appears that a significant portion of the development budget for the DB11-B was allocated towards revamping the interior, while the V12 engine was downsized to a twin-turbo V8.

I have driven various V-powered cars, including V6s, V8s, V12s turbocharged and naturally aspirated. Out of all of them, the V12 stands out as the pinnacle. Its effortless accessibility and seemingly infinite power make it a truly remarkable engine.

Although electric powertrains are far superior, a V12 engine still possesses a unique driveability and character that electric motors cannot match. To upsell the DB11-B as the DB 12, Aston Martin needs to gaslight its audience, this is why motoring journalists exist.

The best motoring journalists are mercenaries recruited to sell an image that often doesn’t live up to the hype. Top Gear has the best mercenaries AKA the best journalists, the best writers, editors, producers, and videographers.

These resources are armed and ready to deploy at a moment’s notice, often on marching on an all-expenses paid trip to an exotic location. The deed is done by upselling the DB11-B as the DB12. But for some reason, I am not willing to buy into the bait and switch.

We already know Aston Martin’s financial stability is precarious, the DB11-B confirms that the foundations are beginning to show signs of cracks.