To the manor born
and V12 apart. The V8’s grille is subtly different and gone from the bonnet are the V12’s centre air strakes that cool the turbo. Instead, in the V8, these are internalised.
But turn on the engine and you’ll immediately notice the difference. Gone is the thumping V12 note and instead you get a genteel rumble from the V8.
That was particularly telling during our photo shoot with dogs Brio and puppy Ari plus pony Raisin just two metres (sometimes less) near the DB11 and none as spooked when I started the V8 engine.
The Aston Martin DB11 felt at home at my friends’ home (pictured), especially by the stables — horsepower met horse power.
It’s a stylish rival to Ferrari and Lamborghini and, thanks to the two rear seats, is suitable as an everyday as you can have extra storage. Just plonk your bag or even the shopping in the second row and away you go.
Unfortunately that second row is suitable only for your gear or primary school-aged kids. Head space is tight for adults — and they wouldn’t thank you for a ride in your Aston Martin if you were going further than down to the shops.
The V8 is also 115kg lighter than the V12 and, with the smaller engine block sitting behind the front axle, the weight distribution means the DB11 V8 is sprighter, with acceleration of 0-100km/h in
4.0 seconds.
Inside the 2+2 seater grand tourer, the AMG partnership sees the infotainment screen, rotary control and optional touchpad plus satnav and plus 360-degree camera you’ll find in Mercedes cars, with the Aston Martin touch of new instrument cluster.
The engine had the drive choices of GT, Sport and Sport Plus modes. The GT mode was an everyday option that gave you such a smooth ride you could forget you were in a exotic car. On the motorway I dialled in Sport mode; for the back country roads after our photo shoot, I had it in Sport plus.
It noticeably altered the firmness, steering, revs and exhaust notes of the DB11. The V8 felt agile as I wound around the hills and tight corners of my drive route, and handling was firm — just what was needed when I faced some shady and damp corners.
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Thank you to Ashleigh and Andrew for the use of their home, plus ‘models’ Brio, Ari and Raisin.