DB11

DB11. The Aston Martin DB11 is a grand tourer produced by the British marque from 2016 to 2023, serving as the successor to the Aston Martin DB9. It was the first model launched under the company's "Second Century" plan and the inaugural vehicle to utilize the brand's then-new bonded aluminium architecture. The DB11 was critically acclaimed for its design, performance, and technological advancements, cementing Aston Martin's position in the competitive high-performance GT car segment.

Overview

The DB11 marked a significant evolution for Aston Martin, representing a clean-sheet design that moved the iconic DB series firmly into the modern era. It debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in 2016, immediately garnering attention for its striking aesthetics engineered under the direction of Marek Reichman. As a core model for the brand, it was tasked with balancing traditional Aston Martin elegance with contemporary performance and luxury, competing directly with rivals like the Ferrari Roma and Bentley Continental GT. Its introduction coincided with a period of major investment and expansion for the company, including a renewed technical partnership with Daimler AG.

Design and development

The DB11's design philosophy, termed "Aeroblade," integrated form and function, featuring a distinctive side strake that channeled air to reduce lift without a large rear spoiler. The development was a collaborative effort, heavily utilizing computational fluid dynamics pioneered by engineers from Red Bull Racing. The interior represented a major technological leap, incorporating a Mercedes-Benz-sourced infotainment system and digital instrument cluster, a result of the strategic alliance with Daimler AG. The body structure, a new bonded aluminium platform developed at the Gaydon headquarters, was lighter and stiffer than its predecessor's, providing a foundation for future models like the Vantage.

Technical specifications

Initially, the DB11 was offered with a 5.2-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine, developed in-house and producing 600 horsepower, a first for the DB series. This powerplant was later joined by a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine sourced from Mercedes-AMG, producing 503 horsepower. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission from ZF Friedrichshafen. Performance figures for the V12 model included a 0-60 mph time of 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 200 mph. The chassis employed adaptive damping and featured multiple driving modes, integrating systems for dynamic stability control and torque vectoring.

Variants

Several notable variants of the DB11 were produced. The DB11 Volante, introduced in 2018, was a convertible model with a fabric roof. The more powerful DB11 AMR, launched the same year, featured an uprated V12 engine delivering 630 horsepower. Special editions included the DB11 Q by Aston Martin Q, a customization program offering unique specifications, and the DB11 Sovereign, a limited edition for the Middle East market. These variants ensured the model's appeal across different global markets and client preferences, from the United States to China.

Reception and legacy

Upon release, the DB11 received widespread praise from publications like *Top Gear* and *Car and Driver*, winning awards such as the BBC Top Gear Magazine Car of the Year. Critics lauded its blend of brutal performance and refined luxury, though some noted the initial infotainment system's complexity. The DB11's commercial success was vital for Aston Martin, helping to fund development of subsequent models including the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera and the Aston Martin Valhalla. It was officially succeeded in 2023 by the Aston Martin DB12, leaving a legacy as the car that modernized the DB series for a new generation.

Category:Aston Martin vehicles Category:Grand tourers Category:Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive vehicles