The Aston Martin DB11, successor to the older DB9, is a very important car Aston Martin. Aston Martin hopes to revive its brand with the introduction of their first model in their so-called “second century plan”. The car has an all-aluminum body construction which is actually a first for Aston Martin and will also serve as a foundation for their upcoming cars.

It’s not just the body construction of the DB11 is new but it also houses a new engine as well. It has a brand new 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine which translates into 600 bhp (447 kW; 608 PS) and 516 lb·ft (700 N·m). The DB11 is also said to go 0-100km/h (62mph) in just 3.9 seconds and reach speeds of up to 322 km/h (200 mph). This is really incredible.

Its V12 engine is connected via a torque tube to its DB11’s rear-mounted eight-speed transaxle which translate into a smoother transmission. The transmission itself feels like the from the ZF’s automatic transmission which is specifically tuned to cope with the car’s 700Nm torque output.

The location of the transaxle also gives an advantage to the weight distribution of the car. Note that the DB11 is big. The car’s interior feels like cramped especially on the back compartment. There is not enough head room and knee space. Upfront though is where things changed. The nice leather are elegantly stitched. Mercedes are responsible for the DB11’s knobs, switches, buttons, and screens (thanks to the partnership between Aston Martin and Daimler) which all look elegant.

Sitting behind the wheel of the DB11 is comfortable and supportive. The front seats are placed in a way that a driver will be able to make himself comfortable except for its somewhat humongous steering wheel. There are screen displays here that will show you different information depending on the driving mode you selected. Switching from different driving modes is also easy thanks to the selection switches located just above the Mercedes hardware on the left and right spokes of the steering wheel.

Aston Martin prefers to specify the DB11 as a GT car and the car’s GT mode really does deliver. You can turn on the GT mode when you want to go cruise at high speeds especially if you cruising in one of those Italian autostrada. But when you are on a backroad, switching to GT will make the DB11 a bit awkward.

There is also a Sport mode where it increases the car’s steering weight, drivetrain responsiveness and remedies the lack of damping with only a minimal loss to its chassis’ ability to absorb lumps and bumps. This is the perfect mode when you go cruising on public roads. The DB11 might be big but the Sport mode allows the driver to make full use of the power of its engine and to its 20-inch Bridgestone Potenza S-007 tires.

There is still the classic rear-drive oversteer as well as a gentle understeer especially if you push the car to over-ambitious corner entry speeds. The good news is, the DB11 responds much better if you drive it smoothly instead of being too aggressive. A fluid driving style is what you need for you to truly enjoy the car’s electrically assisted steering, sweetly balanced chassis and strong brakes.

Press Release

A new chapter in Aston Martin’s history began at the 86th International Geneva Motor Show with the unveiling of the DB11. The first product launched under the 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 designed 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine. 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.

Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer, Dr Andy Palmer said: “We aspire to make the most beautiful cars in the world. DB11 is the absolute embodiment of what an Aston Martin should be and we have worked tirelessly to ensure that DB11 combines both exceptional design with the latest technology throughout. A brand new bonded aluminium platform, clever aerodynamics, a new characterful twin-turbo V12 and class-leading infotainment systems are just a few aspects which make this the sports car that will proudly spearhead Aston Martin’s second century plan.”

Heralding a new design era for Aston Martin, DB11 is the latest landmark in a remarkable aesthetic journey; one that gave us icons such as the DB2/4, DB5 and, most recently, 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-hinging 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^TM; 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 608PS¹ (600BHP¹) and 700Nm¹ of torque, making DB11 the most powerful production DB model ever. Naturally, it’s the most dynamic and most accelerative too, with a top speed of 200mph¹ and a 0-62mph time of just 3.9sec¹. 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 automatic ZF 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 dynamic 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 hand craftsmanship. Using a full-colour 12” TFT LCD display, the all-new instrument cluster presents primary vehicle information with absolute clarity, while a second, centrally-mounted 8” TFT screen is dedicated to infotainment. Controlled via an intuitive rotary control, with an optional touchpad offering character recognition, multi-touch and gesture support, the new satellite navigation and audio system have never been more effective, sounded better or been easier to operate. A newly implemented auto-park assist feature and 360-degree birds-eye view camera helps provide safe maneuvering at slow speeds and is also operated via the car’s infotainment system.

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 plus a luggage compartment large enough to accommodate two large holdalls plus carry-on baggage, the DB11 is a genuine Grand Tourer. Thanks to an inspiring palette of colours and a vast array of detailing options, its interior can be perfectly in-tune with your unique personal style. From calming, carefully co-ordinated tones to sharp contrasts in hue and texture, your 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.

Dr Andy Palmer said: ““This is not only the most important car that Aston Martin has launched in recent history, but also in its 103-year existence. The DB11 rightfully places Aston Martin once again as a leading brand in the luxury automotive market”.

Recommended Retail Price from £154,900 in the UK², €204,900 in Germany² and $211,995 in USA³, first deliveries of the DB11 car are scheduled to begin during the fourth quarter of 2016.