Aston Martin DB11: Price, Power, and Prestige

A new chapter in Aston Martin's illustrious history began with the unveiling of the Aston Martin DB11 at the 86th International Geneva Motor Show. This magnificent vehicle, the first product launched under the company's ambitious 'Second Century' plan, stands as the bold new figurehead of the iconic 'DB' bloodline. It embodies an authentic, dynamic sporting Grand Tourer in the finest Aston Martin tradition, meticulously designed and engineered to captivate and thrill.

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, the DB11 is heralded as the most powerful, most efficient, and most dynamically gifted DB model in Aston Martin's history. Its introduction marked the most significant new Aston Martin since the DB9 in 2003, setting a new benchmark for luxury sports cars.

The Aston Martin DB11: What Does It Cost?

For those eager to experience the pinnacle of British automotive engineering and luxury, the Aston Martin DB11 arrived with a recommended retail price reflecting its supreme capabilities and bespoke craftsmanship. While the cost can vary based on customisation options and regional taxes, the initial pricing provided a clear indication of its market position as a premier grand tourer.

The recommended retail prices at launch were:

First deliveries of this highly anticipated vehicle were scheduled to begin during the fourth quarter of 2016, allowing discerning buyers to get behind the wheel of this engineering marvel.

A Masterpiece of Design: Form Meets Function

Heralding a new design era for Aston Martin, the DB11 is the latest landmark in a remarkable aesthetic journey that has given us icons such as the DB2/4, DB5, and the recent DB10, famously developed for James Bond. The DB11 re-imagines the relationship between form and function with a series of fresh design signatures, all the work of Aston Martin's award-winning in-house design team, led by Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman.

Amongst the most striking features are the front-hinging clamshell bonnet, distinctive LED headlights, and the accentuated lines of the iconic Aston Martin grille. The clamshell bonnet, crafted from pressed aluminium, not only presents a sculptural form with minimal shut lines but also provides a smart solution for stringent pedestrian safety regulations by effectively absorbing and dissipating energy. This innovation avoids the need for heavy, complex active pyrotechnic safety systems, preserving the taut lines the design team strived for.

The profile of the DB11 is equally dramatic, thanks to the elegant roof strakes that flow uninterrupted from the A-pillar to the C-pillar. These incredibly labour-intensive components, formed through a complex multi-stage process, highlight the cabin with a bright 'tick graphic' when polished or create a canopy effect in black finish. The clean lines continue at the rear, with a sloping decklid that smoothly blends into boldly sculpted tail-lights, creating a new and unmistakable graphic. All-LED headlights incorporate daytime running lights and low-speed cornering lights for the first time on an Aston Martin, giving the light units a technical yet expressive quality.

Groundbreaking Aerodynamics: Invisible Efficiency

Innovative aerodynamics play a crucial part in the DB11's aesthetic revolution, with clever management of airflow both over and through the bodywork aiding stability while preserving the car's uncluttered surfaces. This integration of innovative aerodynamic solutions perhaps best expresses Aston Martin's design philosophy of form and function working in harmony, rather than one assuming the dominant role.

Two prime examples of this advanced aerodynamic thinking are the 'Curlicue' and the 'Aston Martin AeroBladeTM':

• Curlicue: Derived directly from Aston Martin's race cars, this gill-like vent is incorporated into each front wheel arch lining. It works by venting high-pressure air from the top of the front wheel arches through recessed apertures behind the iconic Aston Martin side strakes, significantly reducing unwanted front-end aerodynamic lift.
• Aston Martin AeroBladeTM: This truly innovative 'virtual spoiler' harnesses airflow carefully directed along the DB11's flanks. Air is fed through discreet intake slots at the base of the C-pillars, channelled within the bodywork through specially contoured ducting, and then vented via discreet slots in the rear decklid. This creates a jet of disrupted air that reduces rear aerodynamic lift, cleverly obviating the need for a traditional upswept 'flip' in the tail and allowing for the DB11's distinctive sloping tail design without compromising stability.

When maximum stability is required, a small active spoiler automatically deploys from the decklid, acting like a 'Gurney' flap seen on race cars, increasing the effectiveness of the AeroBladeTM with negligible drag. At lower speeds, it retracts back into the decklid to maintain the DB11's clean lines. Furthermore, meticulous attention has been paid to the DB11's underfloor aerodynamics, with a fully functional front splitter precisely tuned to manage airflow for cooling and to feed the rear diffuser, drawing knowledge from Aston Martin's motorsport programmes.

Engineering Excellence: A Stronger Foundation

The engineering philosophy behind the DB11 was ambitious: lighter, stronger, more dynamic, and more space-efficient. As leaders in bonded aluminium construction, Aston Martin achieved every single one of these targets. The DB11's body structure, utilising a mix of new bonded aluminium pressings, extrusions, and castings, sets new standards for mass versus stiffness. The body panels are a mix of pressed aluminium for the clamshell bonnet, roof, and doors, composite material for the rear haunches, front wings, and rear decklid assembly, and injection moulded plastic for the front and rear bumpers, sills, front splitter, and rear diffuser.

Key engineering enhancements include:

• Increased Wheelbase: Lengthened by 65mm, allowing the V12 engine to be mounted further back for near-perfect weight distribution and agile handling.
• Wider Tracks: Front and rear track widths increased by 75mm and 43mm respectively, enhancing stability and dynamic performance.
• Improved Packaging: A new, more efficiently packaged fuel tank allows for a larger luggage compartment, capable of accommodating a full luggage set.
• Enhanced Practicality: Redesigned A-pillar structures and reduced sill sections increase door aperture size for easier ingress and egress. Front occupants benefit from 10mm more headroom and greater seat movement, while rear passengers enjoy a significant 54mm increase in headroom and 87mm more legroom, making the DB11 a true 2+2. For the first time in an Aston Martin, rear ISOFIX points allow for the fitment of two child seats, further expanding the DB11's practicality.

The Heart of the Beast: The Twin-Turbo V12 Engine

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 new 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine. Designed in-house by Aston Martin's powertrain team, this engine is a first for a series production Aston Martin and is the most powerful ever fitted to a 'DB' road car.

This magnificent powertrain develops 608PS (600BHP) and 700Nm of torque, propelling the DB11 to a top speed of 200mph and from 0-62mph in just 3.9 seconds. Beyond sheer power, this engine champions efficiency, thanks to state-of-the-art variable valve timing, intelligent bank activation, and stop-start technology. During periods of low demand, such as cruising or light acceleration, one bank of cylinders imperceptibly shuts down, significantly reducing fuel consumption without compromising performance when full power is called upon.

Crucially, this new engine is not just about impressive numbers; it possesses an abundant character, thanks to its tremendous breadth of performance, exceptional response, and authentic V12 soundtrack. Aston Martin was adamant that the DB11 should have an honest, genuine engine note, purely from the intake and exhaust, not synthesised sound. This sound quality plays a vital role in the overall driving experience, with each dynamic driving mode adjusting the intensity of the noise, from a satisfying simmer in GT mode to an intense roar in Sport Plus, offering a truly emotional connection.

Driving Dynamics: Unparalleled Versatility

To fully exploit the advantages of its new body structure and harness the immense performance of the twin-turbocharged V12 engine, the DB11's chassis, suspension, steering, and electronics have been completely re-worked, embracing new technologies. The result is a driving experience of extraordinary breadth and capability, allowing the DB11 to be adaptable to various road conditions and driver requirements.

The most potent DB ever demands the most sophisticated and capable chassis. To this end, the DB11 suspension system combines with the latest generation Bilstein adaptive damping, Active Torque Vectoring via brakes, and multiple driver-selectable dynamic modes:

• GT Mode: Offers exemplary ride quality and a mature character, ideal for comfortable long-distance touring.
• Sport Mode: Adds a touch more firmness, control, and response to the damping, while the new electric power steering and Active Torque Vectoring adjust to quicken the rate of response for a greater sense of agility.
• Sport Plus Mode: Turns up the intensity, with suspension, steering, engine, transmission, and Active Torque Vectoring working in unison to truly awaken the sports car within and connect the driver more directly to the action.

Aston Martin's dynamics team worked closely with Bridgestone to develop bespoke S007 tyres, featuring a unique tread pattern, construction, and compound for improved wet weather performance, progressive on-limit behaviour, and consistent handling. The vehicle is equipped with 255/45 front and 295/35 rear tyres on 9Jx20in (front) and 11Jx20in (rear) cast flow-formed alloy wheels. Braking is handled by 400mm cast iron discs with 6-piston monobloc calipers at the front and 360mm cast iron discs with 4-piston monobloc calipers at the rear.

Technology and Hand-Craftsmanship: A Luxurious Interior

As the world's finest sporting Grand Tourer, the Aston Martin DB11 immerses occupants in a private world of sumptuous natural materials, shining with the highest levels of craftsmanship, and packed with state-of-the-art technology developed in conjunction with technical partner, Daimler AG, for the ultimate combination of quality, comfort, and convenience.

The interior features include:

• Dual TFT Displays: A full-colour 12" TFT LCD display for the instrument cluster presents primary vehicle information with absolute clarity, using unique Aston Martin instrument graphics. A second, centrally-mounted 8" TFT screen is dedicated to infotainment, including an all-new satellite navigation system.
• Intuitive Control: The infotainment system is controlled via an intuitive rotary control, with an optional touchpad offering character recognition, multi-touch, and gesture support.
• Advanced Features: New additions include keyless entry/keyless go, parking control (including parallel and bay park assistance), a 360-degree birds-eye camera, and an electrically powered steering column with an 'up and away' function for easier ingress and egress.

Despite being packed with technological advances, the DB11 remains a hand-crafted car. An inspiring palette of paint and leather colours, combined with a vast array of detailing options, allows for a DB11 that is perfectly in-tune with each customer's personal style. From calming, carefully co-ordinated tones to sharp contrasts in hue and texture, the choices are virtually limitless. Detailing such as Nexus quilting and Celestial perforation add layers of beautiful complexity, while ornate leatherwork, like intricate brogue detailing, creates areas of visual and tactile delight unique to the DB11.

The Science of Sound: Sonic Identity

Beyond the magnificent roar of the V12, the DB11 pioneers a sophisticated approach to 'sonic identity'—a powerful emerging automotive industry science that meticulously crafts every sound within the vehicle. This goes beyond just the exhaust note, encompassing the full spectrum of audible warning messages, from seatbelt alerts and low fuel reminders, to the particular click of the switchgear and the soft creak of the leather upholstery.

Each sound has been paid close attention to ensure harmony and a proportionate context to one another, leaving nothing to chance. For instance, the fasten seatbelt tone is designed to be more melodic and suggestive rather than demanding, only increasing in intensity if the driver ignores it after clearly driving off. This approach credits the customer with a level of intelligence and maturity.

The fundamentals of sonic identity are about matching the sounds the car makes to the visual identity of the brand, expressing and encapsulating craftsmanship, solidity, refinement, engineering, and design. It's a holistic view of perceived quality, ensuring that every single interaction stimulates the senses in harmony, elevating the overall perception of quality. From the simplest click of a button to the beep of the Park Distance Control matching the tone of the indicator stalk, every sound is designed to be 'super-additive', building on the luxurious experience and making interactions more compelling and memorable.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Aston Martin DB11

What engine does the Aston Martin DB11 have?

The Aston Martin DB11 is powered by a new in-house designed 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine. This is the first twin-turbocharged engine fitted to a series production Aston Martin and is the most powerful ever in a 'DB' road car.

How fast is the Aston Martin DB11?

The DB11 has a top speed of 200 mph (322 km/h) and can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (0-100 km/h) in just 3.9 seconds.

What new technologies are featured in the DB11?

The DB11 features pioneering aerodynamics (Curlicue and AeroBladeTM), intelligent bank activation and stop-start technology for the V12 engine, a new bonded aluminium structure, advanced infotainment with 12" and 8" TFT displays, keyless entry/go, auto-park assist, and a 360-degree birds-eye view camera.

Is the Aston Martin DB11 practical for daily use?

Yes, the DB11 is designed as a genuine Grand Tourer. It features wider door apertures, significantly increased occupant space (especially rear head and legroom), fully integrated rear ISOFIX mounting points for child seats, and a luggage compartment large enough to accommodate two large holdalls plus carry-on baggage.

What is the 'Second Century' plan for Aston Martin?

The 'Second Century' plan is Aston Martin's strategic vision for its future, aiming to introduce new models and technologies to redefine the brand for its next century of existence. The DB11 was the first product launched under this ambitious plan, setting the tone for future innovations.

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