Aston Martin DB11 breaks cover in Geneva – new 5.2 litre twin-turbo V12, gorgeous looks, S007 tyres

Aston Martin DB11 Geneva debut 2

The Aston Martin DB11 has been officially unveiled at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, the first product launched under the company’s ‘Second Century’ plan. The DB11 is, according to the British marque, the most significant new Aston Martin since the introduction of the DB9 in 2003.

And there’s certainly a lot of reason to say that. Wearing a fresh design language, the DB11 features many design cues from recent Aston introductions, series production cars and concepts alike. At the front, there is a one-piece forward-hinging clamshell bonnet and a more prominent grille, flanked by a pair of full LED headlamps with DRLs.

Down the sides, the DB11’s muscular haunches and shoulder line shines through, while the arc from the A-pillar to C-pillar features a steeper roof strake, which Aston say is an incredibly labour-intensive component on the car. The wheels appear to come from the DB10, measuring 20 inches. Meanwhile, the rear features Vanquish-esque LED tail lights with a 3D component linking them to separate the upper and lower sections of the DB11’s rear-end.

Aerodynamics are also a part of the car’s design, integrated seamlessly so as not to spoil the looks. Examples of this include the ‘Curlicue’ vent (first seen on the Vulcan) that extracts high-pressure air from the front wheel arch to reduce lift. Similarly, the Aston Martin Aeroblade channels air via intakes located at the base of the C-pillar, which then exits via slots in the rear deck lid to reduce rear lift. If more downforce is needed, a small active spoiler is deployed from the car’s decklid.

Aston Martin DB11 Geneva debut 6

Underneath that gorgeous aluminium body, the DB11 rides on a new bonded aluminium platform that is stiffer, lighter and more space-efficient than the VH platform. Compared to the DB9, the DB11 is longer by some 50 mm (4,739 mm), wider by 28 mm (1,940 mm) and 3 mm shorter (1,279 mm). As a result, the car’s wheelbase has grown by 65 mm (2,805 mm) and now has a wider front (by 75 mm) and rear (by 43 mm) track widths. The car’s overall dry weight is 1,770 kg, 15 kg less than the DB9.

Powering the DB11 is a new 5.2 litre twin-turbo V12 engine, which is designed and produced by Aston Martin. The mill produces 600 hp at 6,500 rpm and 700 Nm at 1,500 to 5,000 rpm, and is mated to a ZF eight-speed torque converter automatic gearbox with paddle shifters. According to Aston, the car is the fastest and most accelerative ‘DB’ model in history, with a top speed of 322 km/h and a century sprint time of 3.9 seconds.

To keep the car planted on the road, the DB11 also gets its chassis, suspension, steering and electronics reworked. Bilstein adaptive damping, Active Brake Torque Vectoring and specially-developed Bridgestone S007 (nice) tyres (255/45R20 front, 295/35R20 rear) are part of the handling setup here.

Brakes fitted are 400 mm discs in size at the front with six-piston monobloc calipers, while the rear discs are 360 mm in size with four-piston calipers instead. There are also several driver-selectable modes – GT, Sport and Sport Plus that allow the car to switch from track star to comfortable GT cruiser on a whim.

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Inside, evidence of Aston Martin’s partnership with Mercedes can be seen on the dash, including the stalks. A full-colour 12-inch TFT LCD display serves as the instrument cluster, while a second centrally-mounted 8-inch TFT screen is dedicated to the car’s Mercedes-sourced COMAND infotainment system. Controlling the infotainment system is done via a rotary control with an optional touchpad.

Other luxuries here include a several optional add-ons including a Bang & Olufsen BeoSound system and a variety of materials, colour schemes and trim pieces to choose from. The increase in size on the outside also allows the 2+2 seater to have an increase in rear headroom (by 54 mm) and legroom as well (87 mm).

The Aston Martin DB11 is priced from 154,900 pounds sterling (RM898,738) in the UK with deliveries set to take place in the fourth quarter of 2016. Like what you see?

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Gerard Lye

Originating from the corporate world with a background in finance and economics, Gerard’s strong love for cars led him to take the plunge into the automotive media industry. It was only then did he realise that there are more things to a car than just horsepower count.

 

Comments

  • gaviny on Mar 02, 2016 at 10:28 am

    the power figures are deceiving a normal aspirated v12 can easily be around the 500 mark, twin turbo it and should be 600 plus.

    maybe for efficiency

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • shawal on Mar 02, 2016 at 10:44 am

    Without a doubt, AM will sell alot of these, since it is handbuilt, expect the waiting list to last for years…

    3 coated paintjob takes weeks to complete…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
 

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