This is Aston’s finest indeed.
A new chapter in Aston Martin’s history began at the 2016 International Geneva Motor Show with the unveiling of the DB11. The first product launched under the 103-year-old company’s “Second Century” plan, DB11 is the bold new figurehead of the illustrious DB bloodline and an authentic, dynamic sporting GT in the finest Aston Martin tradition.
The DB11 showcases a fresh and distinctive design language, pioneering aerodynamics, and is powered by a potent new in-house 5.2-litre turbocharged V12 engine (click here to refresh your knowledge of turbocharging). Built upon a new lighter, stronger, and more space-efficient bonded aluminium structure, DB11 is the most powerful, most efficient and most dynamically gifted DB model in Aston Martin’s history. As such, it is the most significant new Aston Martin since the introduction of the DB9 in 2003.
Heralding a new design era for Aston Martin, DB11 is the latest landmark in a remarkable aesthetic journey; one that gave the world icons such as the DB2/4, DB5 and the DB10 developed specifically for James Bond. DB11 re-imagines the relationship between form and function with a series of fresh design signatures. Foremost amongst these are the front-hinged clamshell bonnet, distinctive LED headlights and accentuated lines of the iconic Aston Martin grille. The profile is equally dramatic, thanks to the roof strakes that flow uninterrupted from A-pillar to C-pillar. The clean lines continue at the rear, with a sloping decklid that smoothly blends into boldly sculpted tail-lights to create a new and unmistakable graphic.
Innovative aerodynamics play their part in this aesthetic revolution, with clever management of airflow both over and through the bodywork aiding stability while preserving the DB11’s uncluttered surfaces. Front-end lift is reduced by the gill-like Curlicue, which releases high-pressure air from inside the wheel arch via a concealed vent within the redesigned side-strake. Meanwhile, rear-end lift is reduced by the Aston Martin AeroBlade, a virtual spoiler fed by discreet air intakes located at the base of each C-pillar. Air is ducted through the bodywork, before venting as a jet of air from the aperture in the rear decklid.
Like every Aston Martin, the heart of the DB11 is found beneath the bonnet, though unlike any Aston Martin before it, the DB11’s heart is a 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12. Designed in-house, this new engine develops 600bhp and 700Nm, making the V12 DB11 the most powerful production DB model ever. Naturally, it’s the most dynamic and most accelerative, too, with a top speed of 321km/h and a 0-100km/h time of just 3.9 seconds. Thanks to intelligent bank activation and stop-start technology, that potency is matched by greatly improved efficiency.
To exploit the advantages of its new body structure and harness the immense performance of the new twin-turbo V12 engine, the DB11’s chassis, suspension, steering and electronics have been re-imagined and key new technologies embraced.
Multiple driver-selectable dynamic modes (GT, Sport and Sport Plus) progressively intensify the response of the engine, 8-speed ZF automatic transmission together with the new electric power steering and torque vectoring by braking, while increasing the firmness of the adaptive damping for a greater sense of agility. The result is a driving experience that combines exemplary ride comfort and true sports car agility, for an extraordinary breadth of motoring capability.
As a true 21st century Aston Martin, the DB11 combines the very latest technology developed in conjunction with technical partner, Daimler AG, with the finest quality and by-hand craftsmanship.
Using a full-colour 12-inch TFT LCD display, the all-new instrument cluster presents primary vehicle information with absolute clarity, while a second, centrally mounted 8-inch TFT screen is dedicated to infotainment. The new satellite navigation and audio system are controlled via an intuitive rotary control, with an optional touchpad offering character recognition, multi-touch and gesture support. A newly implemented auto-park assist feature and 360-degree bird’s-eye-view camera helps provide safe manoeuvring at slow speeds.
With wider door apertures, significantly increased occupant space (especially head and legroom in the rear), fully integrated rear ISOFIX mounting points for a pair of child seats, and a luggage compartment large enough to accommodate two large holdalls plus carry-on baggage, the DB11 is a genuine Grand Tourer (just like the Mercedes-AMG GT, one of the DB11’s finest rivals).
Thanks to an inspiring palette of colours and a vast array of detailing options, its interior can be perfectly in-tune with the buyer’s unique personal style. From calming, carefully coordinated tones to sharp contrasts in hue and texture, the choices are virtually limitless. Nexus quilting and Celestial perforation add layers of beautiful complexity and intrigue, while ornate leatherwork, such as intricate brogue detailing, creates areas of visual and tactile delight.
Power, beauty, soul, plus plenty of gadgets.
