Aston Martin DB11

Aston Martin DB11
Vauxford · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Name	Aston Martin DB11
Manufacturer	Aston Martin Lagonda
Production	2016–2023
Assembly	Gaydon, Warwickshire, England
Class	Grand tourer (S)
Body style	2-door coupé; 2-door convertible (Volante)
Layout	Front mid-engine, rear-wheel drive; optional all-wheel drive
Platform	Premium platform architecture
Predecessor	Aston Martin DB9
Successor	Aston Martin DB12

Aston Martin DB11 The Aston Martin DB11 is a grand tourer introduced by Aston Martin Lagonda as the successor to the Aston Martin DB9 and the first model launched under the stewardship of Aston Martin's then-new design and engineering leadership. Launched at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, the model marked a departure in styling and technology, incorporating new aerodynamic concepts and powertrain choices that reflect influences from partnerships with Mercedes-Benz, AMG, and suppliers such as Trevithick Engineering and JLR supply chain partners. As a flagship two-door, the DB11 engaged the automotive press at events including the Goodwood Festival of Speed and the Monterey Car Week.

Introduction

The DB11 project followed the lineage of touring models that trace back to the Aston Martin DB4, Aston Martin DB5, and Aston Martin DB6, drawing heritage cues from coachbuilt era marques like Carrozzeria Touring and design houses such as Bertone. Positioned within the luxury market alongside rivals from Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bentley, McLaren, and Porsche, the DB11 was intended to combine long-distance comfort with high-performance dynamics. The debut involved collaborations with suppliers and partners including Magneti Marelli, Bosch, ZF Friedrichshafen, Continental AG, and Pirelli, and the model quickly became a focal point for motorsport-influenced road cars showcased by dealerships in London, New York City, Tokyo, Dubai, and Hong Kong.

Design and Engineering

Exterior design was led by Aston Martin’s design team influenced by chief designers who previously worked with firms like Ford Motor Company and Lotus Cars, producing lines that reference classic models such as the Aston Martin DB4 while incorporating modern elements seen in concept cars exhibited at the Geneva Motor Show and Frankfurt Motor Show. Aerodynamic features include an integrated front splitter, adaptive spoiler concepts, and underbody management developed with aerodynamicists who previously collaborated with McLaren Applied Technologies and wind-tunnel facilities at MIRA (vehicle testing). The interior combined handcrafted leather by suppliers linked to Smythson craftsmanship, metalwork echoing techniques used by Vacheron Constantin and trim options sourced through partnerships with Alcantara and Burmester-style audio houses. Chassis engineering used bonded and riveted aluminum architecture similar to approaches from Jaguar Land Rover and BMW Group, with suspension systems tuned by engineers with motorsport pedigrees from Prodrive and Lotus Engineering.

Powertrain and Performance

Initial DB11 models offered a new twin-turbocharged V12 developed in conjunction with engineering expertise that traces to collaborations between Aston Martin and powertrain suppliers such as Cosworth and component partners including Mahle and BorgWarner. Later, a twin-turbo V8 unit sourced from Mercedes-AMG appeared, reflecting technical partnerships with Daimler AG. Transmission options included a ZF 8-speed automatic similar to units used by BMW and Audi, with adaptive driving modes that referenced electronic control strategies employed by Bosch and Continental AG. Performance figures placed the DB11 in competition with models like the Ferrari Portofino, Lamborghini Huracán, and Bentley Continental GT; independent testing by publications at venues such as Nürburgring Nordschleife and Millbrook Proving Ground evaluated acceleration, braking, and lap performance. Handling technologies included electronic differential control and adaptive damping with software roots in firms such as Delphi Technologies.

Variants and Special Editions

A convertible Volante version expanded the range, following traditions of open-top grand tourers seen in marques like Rolls-Royce and Bentley. Special editions and high-performance variants included bespoke commissions for clients associated with royal households and celebrities that frequented events such as the Monaco Grand Prix and the Cannes Film Festival, often featuring coachwork and prefabrication by renowned coachbuilders. Limited-run models and one-off editions were developed through Aston Martin’s bespoke personalization programs comparable to Ferrari Tailor Made and BMW Individual, sometimes unveiled at marque-specific gatherings like Aston Martin Owners Club meets and charity auctions at Goodwood.

Production and Assembly

Assembly took place at Aston Martin’s technical center and manufacturing facilities in Gaydon, Warwickshire with supply chains encompassing European component manufacturers from Germany, Italy, and France, plus smaller specialist firms in Oxfordshire and West Midlands. Production ramp-up involved workforce and quality-control practices influenced by methods from Toyota Production System adopters and lean initiatives implemented across the UK automotive sector, while logistics flowed through hubs in Port of Liverpool and Port of Felixstowe. Manufacturing milestones were publicized at industry events including the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders conferences and during visits from government and investment delegations.

Reception and Awards

Critical reception combined praise from automotive magazines such as Autocar, Top Gear, Car and Driver, Motor Trend, Evo, and Road & Track for styling, craftsmanship, and grand touring capability, while some reviewers compared driving dynamics to competitors from Ferrari and Porsche. The DB11 received awards and nominations from institutions like the What Car? Awards, Motor Trader accolades, and recognitions during the UK Automotive News year-end ceremonies. It was also a showpiece at international concours and exhibitions including Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and the Salon Privé where it was appraised alongside historic Aston Martin models such as the Aston Martin DB4 GT and Aston Martin V8 Vantage.

Category:Aston Martin cars