Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Auto
  3. News

Aston Martin’s Spellbinding DB11 Doubles Up On Twin-Turbo Motors

By

How do you improve upon one of the finest Grand Touring vehicles on the market? Offer not one, but two silky smooth powertrains.

The standard Aston Martin DB11 is a work of art. We first experienced the DB9 replacement last year, and were instantly wowed by its striking design, refined cabin, and scalable performance. Now we’ll have another reason to appreciate the sports car: an AMG-sourced V8.

Recommended Videos

Complementing the DB11’s existing 5.2-liter twin-turbocharged V12 is a twin-turbocharged V8 tuned to produce 503hp and 513 lb-ft of torque. Though down about 100 horsepower to the larger mill, the smaller, lighter V8 will give the DB11 a sportier character and improved efficiency. Aston Martin quotes a 0-60 mph sprint of 4.0 seconds and a top speed of 187 mph for the V8-powered version. By comparison, the V12 model hits 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and tops out at 211 mph.

“To be able to offer not one, but two exceptional GT cars is terrific for Aston Martin and our customers,” said Aston Martin Chief Technical Officer Max Szwaj. “I’m particularly proud that this car is the first to receive an engine supplied by our technical partner, Mercedes-AMG.”

Aston Martin’s Spellbinding V8 Powered DB11
Image used with permission by copyright holder

In its base form, this 4.0-liter bi-turbo V8 is used in the Mercedes-AMG C63, AMG GT S, and other AMG performance vehicles, but Aston Martin has developed a bespoke air intake, exhaust and wet sump lubrication systems for the DB11. The powertrain will also be tailored to the DB11’s GT performance, with unique throttle mapping and power delivery.

“The DB11 is the most complete and sophisticated car Aston Martin has ever made,” quipped Aston Martin President and CEO Dr. Andy Palmer. “Now, with this new V8 engine option we have broadened its appeal by offering a car that will bring the DB11 to more customers around the world while still blessed with the exceptional performance and memorable character that sets Aston Martin apart from its rivals.”

Prices for the entry-level (if you can call it that) V8-powered DB11 will start at $198,995. The 6.0-liter V12 variant will command a $17,500 premium. The V8-powered DB11 will debut this weekend at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Aston Martin dealers are accepting orders as of today.

Miles Branman
Miles Branman
Former Contributor
Miles Branman doesn’t need sustenance; he needs cars. While the gearhead gene wasn’t strong in his own family, Miles… Read Full Bio
Topics
Auto
Porsche just proved the Cayenne Electric is the most impressive performance vehicle you can drive
Car, Transportation, Vehicle

I have seen the movies. I know there is no way that a car can survive in the jet blast of a plane. I remember the scene from Casino Royale. And for me, that is science. But the engineers at Porsche and Stratolaunch aren’t so sure. They operate in the real world of science, and they came together to see if the Porsche Cayenne Electric could withstand the take-off power of one of the largest and most powerful aircraft in the world. Why? Because they can and because curiosity oftentimes leads to something awesome. Spoiler alert…the car holds up. But don’t take my word for it.

The car is its own beast. It’s got the ability to keep up and play in this space. – Orlando Bloom, Porsche ambassador

Read more
Auto
Indian commits to American artistry with Signature Series
Machine, Spoke, Helmet

There is something about sitting on the back of a motorcycle that you can’t feel anywhere else. Road trips feel different on the back of a bike versus in a car. Maybe it is the solo aspect of it. Maybe there is the feeling of the wind. Who knows? What I do know is that there is nothing like a bike ride through the countryside. The winding roads, the sunsets through the visor of the helmet, all of it is unrivaled. Indian Motorcycle understands this, and they have since they became the first American motorcycle company. Now, they have dropped a new Signature Series of four motorcycles echoing their commitment to American artistry and craftsmanship.

Since 1901, Indian Motorcycle has pursued the ultimate intersection of form and function – motorcycles that are as beautiful in design as they are sophisticated in performance – Mike Kennedy, CEO of Indian Motorcycle

Read more
Auto
Is the BMW XM a perfect blend of practicality and performance
Car, Transportation, Vehicle

The BMW XM has received a bit of a mixed response, but there’s a strong argument that it’s a logical next step on from the BMW M5. Think about it, the M5 is special because it combines practicality with exceptional performance. The BMW XM does the same thing, though you’re trading a little handling quality for far more practicality.

On a recent venture in BMW’s performance SUV, I weighed up the pros and cons of BMW’s most divisive vehicle. And it may be a better choice than BMW’s flagship.

Read more