When it first made its debut, the Aston Martin DB11 came with the brand’s new 5.2 litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine, and it was always suggested a V8 variant will come soon after. Well, such a variant has now been officially announced by the Gaydon-based manufacturer, which now gives buyers the option of two engines to choose from.
Unsurprisingly, the 4.0 litre twin-turbo V8 comes from Aston Martin’s technical partner, Mercedes-AMG, which it had previously signed a deal with back in 2013. Here, the powerplant makes 510 PS and 675 Nm, the latter being a touch more than what the AMG GT offers (650 Nm). For comparison’s sake, the V12 version makes 608 PS and 700 Nm of torque.
Aston Martin also opted to pair the mill with a ZF eight-speed torque converter automatic gearbox instead of the seven-speed AMG Speedshift dual-clutch transmission (DCT). As a result, the V8-powered DB11 will accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in just four seconds, and hit a top speed of 301 km/h, which is 0.1 seconds and 21 km/h slower than the V12 version.
Though it may be slower, the V8 variant is lighter than the V12 by some 115 kg, resulting in a kerb weight of just 1,760 kg (vs. 1,875 kg). Aston Martin also had to perform a number of modifications to accommodate the lighter motor, beginning with new engine mounts and wet sump system.
The British carmaker also revised the DB11’s suspension bushing, geometry, anti-roll bars, springs, dampers and ESP software to ensure it delivered in terms of driving dynamics. To quote the company, “the V8 appeals to those customers drawn to a refined and comfortable GT (grand tourer) with a more sporting bias.”
There are also subtle visual differences to mark the V8 apart from the V12, including a unique alloy wheel finish, dark headlamp bezels and a pair of bonnet vents (at the edges of the bonnet) instead of the quartet seen on the V12. Said vents can be specified in black or titanium-finish mesh.
Inside, both variants have the same standard equipment levels, and customers will still have access to an extensive catalogue of colour and trim options. Those with even more money to spare can opt for the Option Packs and Designer Specification packages, plus a suite of Q by Aston Martin – Collection options.
On the mention of money, the V8-powered DB11 is on sale now with a recommended retail price from 144,900 pounds sterling (RM795,811) in the UK, making it more affordable than the V12 which goes from 154,900 pounds sterling (RM850,800).
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Love the sound of the turbo V12. Despite being turbocharged, it still sounds amazing. Like a race car. Only the Lexus LC500’s V8 sounds better (to my ears anyway) cos it goes “au naturel” when it comes to induction. Having said that, the AMG V8 roars like a monster too. But in the end, it can’t beat the shriek of a V12. Though the V8 may offer, in theory, better fuel consumption, being lighter.
At this price, sure it will be Rm3 million when it comes to Malaysia.