Vancouver Sun

Aston Martin gets more roar with DB11 AMR

- NICHOLAS MARONESE

Aston Martin is dropping its flagship DB11 V12 in favour of a more powerful race-inspired version of the car, the new DB11 AMR grand tourer. The DB11 AMR joins the V8-powered base DB11 coupe and convertibl­e in the range, and will split the difference between those cars and the upcoming DBS Superlegge­ra super- GT.

Still rocking a 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12, the AMR benefits from an additional 30 horsepower — for a total of 630 hp — as well as reprogramm­ed shift-mapping for its eight-speed automatic; plus a slightly louder exhaust system.

The AMR sub-brand is all about drawing from Aston’s racing efforts, which explains the performanc­e upgrades; it also means the DB11 AMR will get a retuned chassis and performanc­e specs that look like zero-to-100 km/ h in 3.5 seconds versus the old V12’s 3.9. Top speed is 335 km/ h.

Also inspired by Aston racing? The Stirling green and lime paint scheme on the limited-to100-units AMR signature edition the new line will launch with, a direct homage to Aston Martin’s old Vantage GTE racer.

A black roof panel and 20-inch forged wheels still sets apart nonsignatu­re DB11 AMRs from the old V12.

Stateside the DB11 AMR will retail for a base MSRP of US$241,000 when it shows up at your dealership this summer; we’ll hopefully have Canadian pricing for you with our test drive of the car, which you should look for here in about two weeks.

 ?? ASTON MARTIN ?? The 2019 Aston Martin DB11 AMR will feature a new race-inspired trim to split the difference between base DB11 and future DBS super-GT.
ASTON MARTIN The 2019 Aston Martin DB11 AMR will feature a new race-inspired trim to split the difference between base DB11 and future DBS super-GT.

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