Aston Martin DB11
Aston Martin DB11 | |
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Overview | |
Manufacturer | Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd |
Production | 2016–present |
Assembly | Gaydon, Warwickshire, England |
Designer | Marek Reichman |
Body and chassis | |
Class | Grand tourer (S) |
Body style | 2-door coupé 2-door convertible |
Layout | Front mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
Related | Aston Martin V8 Vantage Aston Martin DBS Superleggera |
Powertrain | |
Engine |
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Transmission | 8-speed ZF 8HP75 automatic 8-speed ZF 8HP95 automatic (DBS Superleggera) |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | 2,808 mm (111 in) |
Length | 4,739 mm (187 in) |
Width | 2,060 mm (81 in) |
Height | 1,279 mm (50 in) |
Kerb weight |
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Chronology | |
Predecessor | Aston Martin DB9 |
The Aston Martin DB11 is a British grand tourer[1] produced by British luxury car manufacturer Aston Martin since 2016. It debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2016 as a replacement to the DB9.[2] It is the first model launched in Aston Martin's 'second century' plan and the first car launched since the company's tie-up with Daimler AG.
Design
The DB11 was designed by Marek Reichman, Aston Martin’s chief creative officer and head of design. It continues the tradition of design focused on 1:3 proportions and includes a number of new and unique design features, including new roof strakes that separate the body from the roof, available in black or body colour and the "Aeroblade" intakes in the front strakes. These evolve the side strakes from purely visual to functional and channel turbulent air down the side of the car into intake ducts by the C pillars and force the air out from the rear vertically as a 'virtual' spoiler providing down-force.[3]
The bonnet is a 'clam-shell' design made from a single piece of aluminium. The DB11 does not use the older Aston Martin VH platform as the car features an all-new riveted and adhesive-bonded aluminium platform that shifts the emphasis from extrusions to stampings to create more cockpit space which would also underpin future Aston Martin models including the Aston Martin V8 Vantage (2019) and the DBS Superleggera.[4][5]
Production
During the DB11 coupé premiere, over 1,400 DB11's were ordered.[6] Production officially started on 28 September 2016 with a base price of £154,900.[7] In order to demonstrate commitment to quality, the CEO, Andy Palmer, checked the first 1,000 cars himself.
As of December 2016, Aston Martin had already built 1,019 DB11s (estimate taken on 23 December).[8]
Reception
![]() | The examples and perspective in this section may not represent a worldwide view of the subject. (June 2018) |
The reaction from the motoring press reviews has been overwhelmingly positive, including statements such as "it's a pretty fabulous way to sit behind 600 horsepower",[9] "If there is a GT car with a better chassis, I have not driven it.",[10] and "A solid start to a future portfolio that will be studded with flashier and faster members than this, but none that are quite so suited to being enjoyed every day, wherever you're heading."[11]
Finally, motoring journalist Jeremy Clarkson says: "If you're ever in Paris, at a party at 3am, and suddenly remember you are playing in a tennis tournament in Monte Carlo the next afternoon, this is the car for the job. You'd arrive feeling like you'd just got out of the bath. It's not just a pretty face. This is an extremely good car. Phenomenally good. But there is a price to pay." He did not like the interior in the car he tested.[12]
The car won the prestigious Golden Steering Wheel Award from Axel Springer which crowned it the most beautiful car of 2017.[13]
Variants
DB11 V12
The DB11 V12 is powered by an all-new 5,204 cc (5.2 L; 317.6 cu in) twin-turbocharged V12 engine called the AE31,[14] making it the first Turbocharged series-production Aston Martin.[15] The engine produces 600 hp (447 kW; 608 PS) at 6,500 rpm and 516 lb⋅ft (700 N⋅m) of torque at 1,500–5,000 rpm. The car is equipped with a rear-mounted 8-speed ZF automatic transmission. The DB11 accelerates from 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) in 3.8 seconds and is capable of attaining a top speed of 200 mph (322 km/h).[16] In a road test conducted by Car and Driver, the DB11 accelerated from 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) in 3.6 seconds and ran the quarter mile in 11.7 seconds at 125 mph (201 km/h).[17]
DB11 V8
The initial V12 model was joined by a V8 version in the summer of 2017.[18] Powered by a 4.0-litre Mercedes-Benz M177 twin-turbocharged V8 engine developed with Mercedes-AMG, it results in a 115 kg (254 lb) weight reduction over the V12 variant and a total kerb weight of 1,760 kg (3,880 lb) with 49/51 front/rear weight distribution, in contrast to the DB11 V12's 51/49.[19][20] The V8 engine produces 503 hp (375 kW; 510 PS) and 498 lb⋅ft (675 N⋅m) of torque. The car accelerates to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4 seconds and has a top speed of 301 km/h (187 mph).[21][22]
DB11 Volante
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7f/Paris_Motor_Show_2018%2C_Paris_%281Y7A1619%29.jpg/220px-Paris_Motor_Show_2018%2C_Paris_%281Y7A1619%29.jpg)
Aston Martin launched a convertible version of the DB11 in 2018 called the DB11 Volante. The DB11 Volante has a front/rear weight distribution of 47/53, and shares the same 4.0-litre M177 twin-turbo V8 engine with the DB11 V8 coupé albeit with more torque.[23] The engine produces 503 hp (375 kW; 510 PS) and 513 lb⋅ft (696 N⋅m) of torque, allowing the Volante to accelerate from 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 4.1 seconds before reaching a top speed of 301 km/h (187 mph).[24] Aston Martin announced that they have no plans of fitting their 5.2-litre AE31 twin-turbo V12 engine on the Volante as the car already weighs 110 kg (243 lb) more than the V8 coupé due to the myriad of chassis stiffening components, as well as to keep the structural integrity of the Volante intact and stable at high speeds.[25][26]
DB11 AMR
In May 2018, Aston Martin unveiled the DB11 AMR -- the replacement for the outgoing DB11 V12 which is more potent and performance-oriented than its predecessor. The predecessor DB11 V12 had been in production for only 18 months and it is believed this move was substantially due to the new V8 DB11 performing better than expected, narrowing the performance gap with the V12.
It has received vast improvements over the outgoing model, such as a power increase to 630 hp (470 kW; 639 PS) from its 5.2-litre AE31 twin-turbocharged V12 engine, revised shift programming for the 8-speed automatic transmission for quicker gear changes, firmer and stiffer rear suspension, improvement in 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) acceleration time to 3.5 seconds and an increased top speed of 208 mph (335 km/h). Other unique features include a more aggressive exhaust note in Sport & Sport+ mode, black roof, dark interior trim and new 3.5 kg lighter, 20-inch forged alloy wheels.
Aston Martin will produce a limited run of 100 DB11 AMR Signature Edition cars at the start of production featuring a Stirling Green paint scheme with Lime Green accents; similar to that found on the Vantage GTE race car, black interior trim with lime green stitching and gloss black forged 20-inch alloy wheels. The DB11 AMR is priced at GB£182,520 (US$241,000) while the Signature Edition costs GB£21,963 (US$29,000) more. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in the summer of 2018.[27]
DBS Superleggera
In June 2018, Aston Martin unveiled the DBS Superleggera online -- the marque's V12 flagship grand tourer based on the outgoing DB11 V12 but features modifications that sets it apart from the DB11 lineage along with using the iconic DBS name plate since the original DBS and the DB9-based DBS V12. The Superleggera name pays tribute to Carrozzeria Touring that helped Aston Martin to create the lightest grand tourers in the 1960s and 1970s.[28] The front of the car features a new front bumper with a large centre grille in order for improved engine cooling along with two air extractors on the sides to cool the brakes and two vents on the hood that aid in the engine cooling process. The 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine is uprated and produces 725 PS (533 kW; 715 hp) at 6,500 rpm and 900 N⋅m (664 lb⋅ft) of torque from 1,800–5,000 rpm.[29][30] In order to optimise the centre of gravity and weight distribution, the V12 unit has been positioned as low and as far back in the chassis as possible.
The DBS Superleggera features the new ZF 8HP95 transmission with a shorter final-drive ratio of 2.93:1, in contrast to the DB11's 2.70:1.[31] Chassis-wise it also comes with torque vectoring and a mechanical limited slip differential for more focused track performance.[32] The vehicle also features the same aerodynamics first seen on the DB11 including Aston Martin’s innovative Aeroblade system, but refines aerodynamics with an F1-inspired double-diffuser that helps the car generate 397 lb (180 kg) of downforce – the highest figure ever for a series production Aston Martin.[33] A new quad-pipe titanium exhaust system ensures improved engine sound while the usage of carbon fibre in major areas of the car lowers the weight down to 1,693 kg (3,732 lb).
The DBS Superleggera can accelerate from 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) in 3.2 seconds, and 0–100 mph (0–161 km/h) in 6.4 seconds. The car can also accelerate from 50–100 mph (80–161 km/h) in 4.2 seconds at fourth gear and can attain a top speed of 211 mph (340 km/h).[34] Three driving modes are available: GT, Sport, and Sport Plus which adjust the responsiveness of the vehicle.
Gallery
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Rear view
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Interior
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Engine
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The DB11 Volante at the 2018 Paris Motor Show
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The DB11 Volante at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show
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A three quarters view of a Mariana Blue DB11 AMR in the Swiss Alps
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DB11 AMR in the Swiss Alps
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DBS Superleggera at the 2018 Paris Motor Show
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Rear View
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Interior
References
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)
- ^ Prince, Max (October 2016). "Aston's Eleven". Road & Track. 68 (3): 76–79.
- ^ Ingram, Richard (2 March 2016). "New Aston Martin DB11: price, specs and video". Auto Express. Retrieved 4 March 2016.
- ^ "Aston Martin DB11: new 600bhp twin-turbo GT officially revealed". CAR Magazine. 2 March 2016. Retrieved 26 March 2018.
- ^ Duff, Mike (1 March 2016). "2017 Aston Martin DB11 Revealed!". Car and Driver. Retrieved 11 April 2018.
- ^ Robinson, Aaron (August 2016). "2017 Aston Martin DB11". Car and Driver. Retrieved 30 January 2018.
- ^ Login (31 March 2016). "Aston Martin DB11 already has over 1,400 pre-orders". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 8 January 2017.
- ^ "Aston Martin DB11". carwow.co.uk. Retrieved 21 March 2018.
- ^ "Andy Palmer tweets about production milestone". Twitter.com. Retrieved 8 January 2017.
- ^ "Car and Driver, August, 2016". Caranddriver.com. 4 August 2016. Retrieved 8 January 2017.
- ^ "Autocar, August, 2016". Autocar.co.uk. Retrieved 8 January 2017.
- ^ "TopGear, August, 2016". Topgear.com. 5 August 2016. Retrieved 8 January 2017.
- ^ "The Sunday Times, 19th December, 2016". Driving.co.uk. Retrieved 8 January 2017.
- ^ https://www.astonmartin.com/en/live/news/2017/11/08/aston-martin-db11-wins-the-prestigious-golden-steering-wheel-award
- ^ Petrany, Mate (22 June 2016). "Aston Martin Has Started Building its New Twin-Turbo V12s". Road and Track. Retrieved 26 March 2018.
- ^ Burt, Matt (2 March 2016). "Aston Martin DB11 video analysis: full tech details, prices and exclusive pics". Autocar. Retrieved 4 March 2016.
- ^ Lieberman, Jonny (16 March 2017). "2017 Aston Martin DB11 First Test Review: Desire On Four Wheels". Motor Trend. Retrieved 11 April 2018.
- ^ Quiroga, Tony (August 2017). "2017 Aston Martin DB11". Car and Driver. Retrieved 26 February 2018.
- ^ Wiseman, Ed (28 June 2017). "V8 advantage – Aston Martin launches 'more affordable' V8 DB11 grand tourer". Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 28 June 2017.
- ^ Woodward, Lyn (8 January 2018). "2018 Aston Martin DB11 V8: Driving the Lighter Aston Fantastic". The Drive. Retrieved 4 February 2018.
- ^ Barry, Ben (27 September 2017). "Aston Martin DB11 V8 (2017) review". CAR Magazine. Retrieved 17 March 2018.
- ^ Brodie, James (28 June 2017). "Aston Martin DB11 V8 revealed with 503bhp AMG powertrain". Auto Express. Retrieved 28 June 2017.
- ^ Duff, Mike (September 2017). "2018 Aston Martin DB11 V-8". Car and Driver. Retrieved 19 March 2018.
- ^ Jurnecka, Rory (18 February 2018). "First Drive: 2019 Aston Martin DB11 Volante". Automobile Magazine. Retrieved 18 March 2018.
- ^ Barry, Ben (19 February 2018). "Aston Martin DB11 Volante review: V8 power without the roof". CAR Magazine. Retrieved 17 March 2018.
- ^ Wasef, Basem (20 February 2018). "2018 Aston Martin DB11 Volante First Drive Review". Autoblog. Retrieved 22 February 2018.
- ^ Gnaticov, Cristian (10 April 2018). "Aston Martin DB11 Volante: Is It An All-Star Athlete?". Carscoops. Retrieved 27 May 2018.
- ^ Chris Perkins (11 May 2018). "The Aston Martin DB11 AMR Has 630 HP to Rip Across Country With". Road and Track. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
- ^ Smith, Luke John (18 April 2018). "Aston Martin DBS Superleggera - Iconic nameplate returns to replace the Vanquish". Express.co.uk. Retrieved 21 April 2018.
- ^ Attwood, James (26 June 2018). "2018 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera revealed as Ferrari 812 competitor". Autocar. Retrieved 29 June 2018.
- ^ Petrany, Mate (27 June 2018). "Aston Martin DBS Superleggera: Britain's Answer to the Ferrari 812 Superfast". Road and Track. Retrieved 29 June 2018.
- ^ Huffman, John Pearley (26 June 2018). "700 Club: 2019 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Revealed". Car and Driver. Retrieved 29 June 2018.
- ^ Pleskot, Kelly (26 June 2018). "ASTON MARTIN DBS SUPERLEGGERA PACKS 715 HP". Motor Trend. Retrieved 29 June 2018.
- ^ Gallagher, Stuart (26 June 2018). "New 715bhp Aston Martin DBS Superleggera debuts – Aston's answer to the Ferrari 812 Superfast". EVO. Retrieved 29 June 2018.
- ^ Moldrich, Curtis (26 June 2018). "DBS Superleggera: Aston Martin's flagship Super GT is here". CAR Magazine. Retrieved 29 June 2018.