Essentials
Aston Martin DB11
IT’S been a long time coming, but finally Aston Martin’s DB11 has landed. We’ve been teased by the static models on motor show stands, and even had a brief spin in a disguised prototype (Issue 1,420), but this is the first time we’ve been let loose on the road in what’s arguably the British brand’s most important new car in a generation.
Designed as a replacement for the venerable DB9, the DB11 is Aston’s first genuinely all-new model in 13 years. It features a state-of-the-art aluminium structure that will underpin future models, a sophisticated twin-turbo V12 and totally overhauled suspension; this flagship GT truly is a clean-sheet exercise for the marque.
However, you’re likely to forget all about the cutting-edge mechanicals the moment you clap eyes on the DB11. With its sleek lines, gorgeous curves and near-perfect proportions, it can stop traffic at 50 paces.
Everywhere you look there are beautifully executed details, such as the huge clamshell bonnet and the vents that cut into the front wheelarches. And what about those C-shaped LED rear lights, which Aston claims are the thinnest ever seen on a production car? Yet there’s genuine substance to go with the style.
In order to boost the DB11’S aerodynamic efficiency without corrupting the purity of its lines, the brand has come up with some clever engineering solutions, including its innovative Aeroblade concept. This channels air into discreet ducts hidden in the C-pillars, before jetting out of small vents on the trailing edge of the bootlid. Here, a small, powered spoiler rises up and helps direct the air, cutting both lift and drag.
The hi-tech theme continues inside, where the DB11 benefits from Aston’s partnership with Mercedes. All the electrical hardware is taken from that brand, so the car is enhanced by the latest kit, including a configurable 12-inch TFT screen in place of analogue dials and an eight-inch infotainment screen on top of the wide dashboard.
Yet this isn’t a ‘parts-bin special’. Unlike previous Astons, in which you could spot plenty of Ford or Volvo-sourced switchgear, the DB11’S Mercedes influence is limited to
“It’s Aston’s first genuinely all-new model in 13 years; this flagship GT truly is a clean-sheet exercise”
the rotary controller for the infotainment system and the single stalk for the wipers, headlamps and indicators. The rest of the beautifully finished interior is pure Aston.
Pretty much everything you touch is made of natural materials, helping give a classy and bespoke feel. Hand-stitched leather covers the seats, dash and door trims, plus there’s a smattering of glossy wood inserts. Meanwhile, all the metal trim, including the speaker surrounds, is made of aluminium.
So the DB11 looks great and features a typically club-class cabin, but what we really want to know is how it drives. You sit low, while the wraparound dash places you at the centre of the action. Give the starter button a long press and the V12 engine fires unobtrusively; give it a quick prod and the exhaust flaps are opened. The 5.2-litre V12 barks into life with exactly the sort of noisy energy you expect from Aston Martin.
The addition of two turbos means this new engine delivers some remarkable figures. Maximum power is a heady 600bhp, while the thumping 700Nm of torque is delivered at a mere 1,500rpm. Aston claims the DB11 will sprint from 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds and hit a head-spinning 200mph, but in the real world it feels even faster. More importantly, you’ll struggle to tell it’s turbocharged.
Simply squeeze the throttle and the car pins you back in your seat. There’s no lag or delay, just a seamless surge of relentless
■ We drive 600bhp stunner with hi-tech aluminium architecture Top stor y
acceleration. The V12 sounds good, too, as it goes from menacing growl to metallic howl as the needle whips around to the red line. Yet the noise is never intrusive, settling into the background at a cruise.
You can make the engine feel even more responsive by switching from GT mode to Sport or Sport+ – although the former is eager enough for most occasions.
The drive setting also alters the shift speeds and strategies of the standard eightratio auto box. In GT, it serves up seamless changes, while the Sport settings deliver more urgent shifts. You can also take manual control by using the gorgeously tactile aluminium paddles. Downshifts bring with them a perfectly timed blip of the throttle.
Yet perhaps the most impressive aspect of the new DB11 is the chassis. At the front are traditional double wishbones, while the rear has an all-new multi-link layout. Adaptive dampers are standard and the bonded aluminium structure is 15 per cent stiffer than the DB9’S to improve handling precision.
The faster, electrically assisted steering rack responds instantly, yet it never feels nervous, and the weighting and feedback are very well judged. Combined with strong front-end grip, it helps make the 1,800kg DB11 feel far more agile than you’d expect.
This has been achieved with 50:50 weight distribution, which gives near-perfect balance through a series of corners and reduces the need for electronic aids to reduce understeer.
Traction is excellent in the dry, but on wet roads it doesn’t take much to get the stabilitycontrol light flashing. Yet even with the electronic safety net in its less restrictive settings, the DB11 feels progressive and accessible, so you can alter your line on the throttle. Unusually, torque vectoring only intervenes when you’re cornering hard.
As with the engine, you can choose from GT, Sport and Sport+ modes for the dampers. In the firmest settings, body control is tight without ever becoming uncomfortably stiff. Even in the softest mode, however, the Aston feels poised
“Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the new DB11 is the chassis”
and planted. Yet it’s the ride comfort in the GT setting that’s truly remarkable. Even on bumpy, rutted roads, the DB11 feels supple and composed in a way that rivals such as the Porsche 911 Turbo S simply can’t match.
The DB11’S grand touring credentials are impeccable, and are backed up by its surprising versatility. There’s a decent 270litre boot, plus two back seats – although these are really only suitable for children. The interior is packed with handy stowage, including a neat powered centre armrest that glides back to reveal a handy cubby and connections for your smartphone. This really is a supercar for every occasion.
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