2016 Geneva Motor Show: Aston Martin starts new chapter with DB11

By CARSIFU | 2 March 2016


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GENEVA: The DB11 is finally unveiled. The first product launched under Aston Martin’s “Second Century” plan showcases a fresh and distinctive design language, pioneering aerodynamics and is powered by a potent new in-house designed 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine.

Built upon a new lighter, stronger, and more space efficient bonded aluminium structure, the DB11 is the most powerful, most efficient DB model in Aston Martin’s history. As such, it is the most significant new Aston Martin since the introduction of the DB9 in 2003.

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DB11 shows off a series of fresh design signatures. Amongst these are the front-hinging clamshell bonnet, LED headlights and accentuated lines of the grille. The profile is dramatic, thanks to the roof strakes that flow uninterrupted from A-pillar to C-pillar. The clean lines continue at the rear, with a sloping decklid that blends into sculpted tail-lights to create a new graphic.



Managing airflow was vital in the development of the DB11. Airflow over and through the bodywork aided stability while preserving the car’s surfaces. Front-end lift is reduced by the gill-like Curlicue which releases high-pressure air from inside the wheel arch via a concealed vent within the redesigned side-strake.

Meanwhile, rear-end lift is reduced by the Aston Martin AeroBlade; a virtual spoiler fed by discreet air intakes located at the base of each C-pillar. Air is ducted through the bodywork, before venting as a jet of air from the aperture in the rear decklid.

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The DB11 gets a new 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12. Designed in-house this new engine develops 600bhp and 700Nm of torque, making it the most powerful production DB model ever. It has a top speed of 322kph and a 0-100kph time of 3.9s.

The car offers multiple driver-selectable dynamic modes - GT, Sport and Sport Plus which progressively heightens the response of the engine. Other standard features are 8-speed automatic ZF transmission, electric power steering and torque vectoring.

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Aston Martin has relied on Daimler AG as technical partner in the DB11 development. The instrument cluster now comes as a full-colour 12” TFT LCD display;a second, centrally-mounted 8” TFT screen is used for infotainment.

The new satellite navigation and audio system is controlled via a rotary control, with an optional touchpad offering character recognition, multi-touch and gesture support.

A newly implemented auto-park assist feature and 360-degree birds-eye view camera helps provide safe maneuvering at slow speeds and is also operated via the car’s infotainment system.

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Aston Martin bills the DB11 as a grand tourer as it’s characterised by wider door openings, significantly increased occupant space - especially head and legroom in the rear - fully integrated rear ISOFIX mounting points for a pair of child seats plus a luggage compartment large enough to accommodate two large holdalls plus carry-on baggage.

As is common for luxury cars, the interior can be customised.

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“This is not only the most important car that Aston Martin has launched in recent history, but also in its 103-year existence,” said Aston Martin chief executive officer Dr Andy Palmer.

The car will retail in Britain from £154,900 (RM896,000). First deliveries of the DB9 successor is scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2016.

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