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

By Miles Branman Published January 2, 2020

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.

Topics

Miles Branman developed a passion for cars early on thanks to a neighbor’s collection of rare and exotic vehicles. What…

Auto

Formula E celebrity rookie-to-racer event starts in Miami

Eleven celebs partnered with Formula E teams for weeks before the Miami event.

Brooklyn Beckham in a race car.

Can entrepreneurs, influencers, and celebrities master electric race cars? Find out now by checking out the Formula E channels or social media sites of the various celebrities and the Formula E teams that trained them for this two-day event at the Miami International Autodrome race track.

Eleven celebs partnered with Formula E teams for weeks before the Miami event. Team coaches and engineers stuck by the personalities as they got in shape in the gym and spent hours in racing simulators. The training led up to sessions in the Gen 3 Evo chassis race cars, which, as a point of reference, can accelerate 30% faster than a Formula 1 car.
Why train celebs and influencers to drive racecars
Formula E focuses on inclusion and sustainability. Training and streaming content involving celebrities working with Formula E teams and learning to drive the race cars is a brilliant way to attract motorsport fan attention and gather support for the values on which Formula E was founded.

Auto

An ultra-rare Ford Bronco Desert Racer is headed to the auction block

The one-of-50 model hearkens back to Ford's glory days of conquering the Baja 1000 off-road race series

Front view of a rare, blue 2023 Front Bronco Desert Racer truck.

The latest edition of the Ford Bronco has become one of the most sought-after trucks in recent memory. But, if the stock (or even the Raptor version) just isn't disco enough for you, there's the Ford Bronco Desert Racer.

First introduced in 2022, the exclusive Bronco DR (Desert Racer) was limited to just 50 units. It was purpose-built for discerning customers who wanted the best, most off-road-capable, most badass Bronco that Ford could deliver. The design team pulled heavy inspiration from the brand's glory days when Ford ran circles around the competition in the Baja 1000 off-road series with a long string of trophies in the '60s and '70s.

Auto

FIA and Formula One approve Cadillac as 11th F1 team for 2026 season

The Concorde Agreement contract between teams allows up to 12 F1 teams.

GM Cadillac is approved as an 11th F1 team for 2026 season.

It's official. General Motors's Cadillac F1 Team will be the 11th team competing with the next-generation Formula 1 cars in 2026. The FIA and Formula One Management announced the approval based on GM's meeting all required terms for membership. Last November, the FIA and F1 gave GM/Cadillac conditional approval, but now it's real.
Why increase the Formula 1 series to more than 10 teams
An early General Motors GM-Cadillac F1 race car concept. Courtesy of General Motors

All F1 teams sign the Conorde Agreement, a contract between the FIA, Formula One Group, and the F1 teams. This document holds teams responsible for competing in the series for the length of the agreement, which is in effect for the 2021 through 2025 seasons.