A new chapter in Aston Martin’s history began at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show with the unveiling of the DB11. Aston has dubbed the DB11 the first car of its ‘Second Century’. And it’s aiming to unveil a new car every year for the next six years. The entire range is being given a makeover and expanded to include new models like an SUV, with construction due to take place at a brand new plant in South Wales.
Anyway, what about the DB11 – the latest figurehead of the DB bloodline? After spending a couple of glorious days blasting around the Cotswolds and then driving up to Newcastle, we can safely say the Aston Martin DB11 is the best GT currently available anywhere. OK, a few may be quicker on the twisty stuff, but for 99% of the time, the DB11 will be much more satisfying to drive and live with – especially if you get stuck in town traffic or intend to cover long distances in true GT – Grand Tourer – style.
Power comes from a brand new in-house designed 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged 600bhp V12 engine. Bolt this onto a lighter and stronger aluminium structure than its predecessor’s, and you end up with a DB11 that is the most powerful, most efficient and certainly the most dynamically talented DB model the company has ever manufactured. It probably isn’t going too far to say that the DB11 is the most important car in Aston Martin’s recent history.
It’s certainly one of the most stylish. The pictures don’t do it justice. We always rated the DB9 as one of the prettiest cars on the road but the DB11 trumps it.
We always rated the DB9 as one of the prettiest cars on the road but the DB11 trumps it
The driving experience is sensational. The engine, with its twin turbochargers, has immense power across the rev range. The exhaust note is glorious but never becomes wearing as it can do on something like an F-Type R Jaguar. However, the biggest shock of all is reserved for the quality of the ride. Bearing in mind that this is a sports car, you would expect a seriously firm ride. But instead, you get the best of all worlds. A button on the steering wheel allows you to select your preferred driving mode – GT, Sport or Sport Plus.
GT is the softest, while Sport and Sport Plus progressively intensify the response of the engine, the eight-speed automatic ZF transmission, and the new electric power steering.
In a nutshell, what this means is that when you’re on a motorway or cruising down to the Côte d’Azur, select GT mode and, please believe us, the ride is nothing short of astonishing. Even at slow speeds around town, the suspension soaks up potholes and manhole covers. You can still throw the car into a corner without any fuss, but for those of you who prefer to enjoy the scenery, it’s hard to think of a better place to be.
Fancy a bit of spirited driving? In that case, select Sport or Sport Plus mode and you instantly feel the car prick-up its ears: the ride becomes more firm, the steering wheel gains weight and, bingo, you are ready to hustle.
Stability is staggering at speed. Aston Martin has produced a clever trick whereby vents direct air within the bodywork of the car and then out of vents at the back to create downforce. Aston didn’t want any vulgar spoilers to ruin the sleek lines.
As you’d expect, the DB11 is quick. Zero-60mph takes under four seconds and the top speed is 200mph. As for economy, there is of course the old adage that if you can afford a car like this you can afford the fuel, but on a 250-mile journey, we managed 25mpg which, for such a powerful, sizeable car, is pretty good going. Automatic stop / start and a cut-off system which shuts down six of the 12 cylinders when you’re not using all of the power, certainly helps with this.
The DB11 starts off at £154,900, but the car you’re looking at here is a special ‘Launch Edition’ which tips the scales at £167,015.
For this you get everything you could possibly need – although, there is plenty of scope to personalise further. The enhanced audio system will blow your socks off.
Overall, it’s great to see Aston Martin back where it belongs – at the top. For too long it has fallen behind its rivals. The next few years are going to be a fascinating journey for the company as it undergoes a huge overhaul. If the DB11 is a sign of things to come, we can’t wait.
For more info; astonmartin.com
