Surprising Things You Need To Know About The Aston Martin DB11
It's always exciting when a company like Aston Martin releases a new model. With a history of five-to-ten-year lifespans with only subtle updates throughout, a new DB is certainly something to look forward to. The DB9 was produced from 2004 to 2016, meaning the world is well overdue for a new DB model. As an answer to the prayers of luxury car enthusiasts everywhere, the engineers at Aston Martin have unveiled not just one, but two new DBs drool over.
It Has A V-12
Like the DBs that have come before it, the DB11 is outfitted with a massive 5.2-liter V-12 engine. This twin-turbocharged bad boy produces 600 horsepower and can rocket to sixty in 3.6 seconds. Thanks to a recent partnership with Daimler, Aston Martin uses the Mercedes AMG engines for their powerhouses. With a 200 mile per hour top speed, the V-12 is more than enough power for any driver. While the displacement of the engine may have gone down - the DB9 had a 6.0-liter V-12 - the new turbocharged AMG is faster and more powerful than its predecessor.
Or A V-8
Life is full of surprises, so when Aston Martin announced that the DB11 would also be available in a V-8, heads turned. Like the V-12, Aston Martin has worked with Daimler to plug an AMG Twin-turbocharged power plant into the new DB. The 4.0-liter V-8 produces 503 horsepower and matches its V-12 predecessor with a top speed of 187 miles per hour. This smaller engine performs comparably to its larger sibling, going from zero to sixty in just 3.7 sec.
How To Spot The Difference
There are minor differences that give away the V-8 or V-12 models before even opening the hood. One of these differences is the headlamp bezels. On the V-8, the headlamps are shrouded in a darker frame than its V-12 sibling. The V-8 also sports only two vents in the hood, compared to the four that help the V-12 stay cool and aspirated. The V-12 also comes with a small badge on the fender that the V-8 does not.
Hear The Difference
The engineers at Aston Martin spent a lot of time making sure their AMG engines do not sound like a Mercedes-Benz. By tuning the engine and exhaust system, Aston Martin has managed to tame the AMG’s aggressive growl and refine it into a deep purr that more closely matches the DB’s focus on beauty and style rather than pure muscle. That is, until the engine is let loose, then the fierce rumble and scream of the five or six hundred horsepower power plant - depending on the model - comes out in devastating force.
A Classically British Interior
The new DB11 sports a stylish, handcrafted interior. From the brogued leather upholstery to the wood or carbon-fiber accents that are mirrored on the back of the front seats, the DB11 has been designed with beauty and luxury in mind. The Mercedes based digital display and infotainment system are an improvement over the previous generation and give the interior a look of technological refinement, wrapped in leather, while the larger interior provides the driver and passengers with more head and legroom than previous DB models.
Ready To Travel
The DB11 features more room than its predecessors, both inside the cabin and in the trunk. Aston Martin, in form true to their market segment, advertises that the DB11 will fit two golf bags in the trunk. If a long trip past the golf course is going to be in order, consider a matching four piece set of luggage for the modest price of five grand. For family trips, the two plus two seating comes fit with ISOFIX anchors for child seats.
Go See What Q Has For You
Aston Martin has long been the carmaker of choice for James Bond, with only a few forays into other makers, including Lotus and BMW. As an acknowledgment of this place in cultural history, Aston Martin has a Q division for customers who want a truly bespoke ride. While ejector seats and missiles are not on the menu, the Aston Martin team will work with customers to design new color combinations, stitching patterns and even wheel colors.
Trim The Fat
By removing four cylinders from the beastly V-12, the engineers at Aston Martin have managed to trim off 254 pounds. Shaving off those pounds helps to cut down whatever fuel costs a DB11 owner might be conscious of, as well as allows the V-8 to give a comparable performance to its 12 cylinder sibling. By switching to the bonded aluminum body, the weight of the DB11 has dropped immensely, allowing for more spirited driving from both engines and a better balancing of the car’s weight profile. On top of trimming the weight, the engineers have also retuned the suspension and braking systems, as well as put in stiffer bushings on the V-8 to better perform with the smaller engine.
It Is A Sporty Touring Car
While the DB11 is not lacking in power or giddyup, it was designed as a comfortable Grand Touring vehicle. The suspension system is a little longer and softer for a more comfortable ride, though it can be stiffened through the car’s drive style selector. The leather interior, plush seating and slightly greater head and legroom for passengers are designed so passengers feel pampered while they travel. The DB sets out to strike the balance between a luxury touring vehicle and an exhilarating sports car, meaning it won’t hesitate to pin you to the seat when you put the pedal down, then comfort you while it screams off at unreasonably fun speeds.
The Price Is Right
While the DB11 may cost more than I’m going to make this decade, its price points are still surprisingly low. The V-8 model rings through at around $200,000, while both the convertible model and the V-12 are just $17,000 more. Opting for upgrades from Q division or just basic accessories, however, will drive the price up quickly. Accessories like a seven hundred dollar car cover or thousand dollar ashtray and plug-lighter will eat away at any savings pretty quickly.