Price $ 220,140.
Aston Martin’s DB9 replacement will be known as the DB11, missing a numeral presumably
because with its twinturbo V12 it utterly smokes its predecessor, hitting 100 in under 4sec. Actually, the DB10 was a Bond car but never mind.
The 11 features Aston’s first twin-turbo engine to date. The firm unveiled its new flyer at the Geneva show, and said almost everything is new, including the styling which features a bigger grille, a clamshell bonnet, LED headlights, and dramatic roof and side strakes. Only the front engine, rear-drive GT format remains.
The engine is an in-house effort, a twin-turbo 5.2-litre V12. It’s the most powerful ever fitted to a DB road car, at nearly 450kW and 700Nm and the DB11 is quick too, with a vmax of 320km/h. The output is processed by a ZF eight-speed automatic which can also be operated via paddle shifters. Getting the power down is a limited slip differential. Torque vectoring by brakes enhances cornering potential. Part of the reason for adopting turbocharging is improved fuel efficiency, the firm targeting an improvement of 20 per cent over the DB9, meaning 11.8L/100km.
Adding to efficiency are variable valve timing, idle stop and cylinder deactivation. Lightweighting contributes, with all body panels made of aluminium, composite or injection-moulded plastic. A new lighter, stiffer bonded aluminium structure underpins the DB11 which is slightly bigger overall than its forebear. The wheelbase is 65mm longer, width is up by 28mm, overhangs have been trimmed while overall length rises by 50mm to 4739mm. The added wheelbase allowed the engineers to edge the V12 rearward, producing a 51/49 weight split.
Dynamics were overseen by Matt Becker, Aston’s new chief of vehicle engineering. Three dynamic modes can be selected, GT, Sport and Sport Plus, each ramping engine, transmission, steering and torque vectoring responsiveness. Adaptive damping can also be modified separately.
Aero developments play an important role, vents in the front wheel arches reducing front-end lift. An ‘AeroBlade’ uses “ducted high-speed airflow to act as a virtual spoiler”, enhancing stability. A small active spoiler also deploys from the rear deck at speed, increasing the effectiveness of the AeroBlade.
The interior is modernised, though gear selection buttons remain. Instruments are replaced by a new TFT screen, and there’s now a central controller.
Occupant and luggage space improve. New features include a smart key, parking assistance, a 360 degree camera and powered steering column adjustment. Over 1000 Aston fanatics have signed up for the DB11 already.
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