Geneva motor show: Aston Martin reveals most powerful DB model yet

The new Aston Martin DB11, unveiled at the Geneva motor show, is hailed by its maker as “the most powerful, efficient and dynamically gifted DB model” in the firm’s 103-year history.

The first product from Aston’s ‘second century’ expansion plan, the DB11 features a new engine and body structure, fresh styling, improved packaging and motorsport-derived aerodynamic features. The front-engined, rear-wheel-drive grand tourer is priced at £154,900 (Rs 1.46 crore).

Engine

The stand-out feature in the new DB model is the new twin-turbocharged 5204cc V12, the most powerful unit yet fitted to a DB road car. Its 600bhp and 516lb ft outputs are sufficient to accelerate the DB11 from 0-100kph in 3.9sec and on to a top speed of 322kph. It’s also the first series-production Aston Martin to use a twin-turbo unit. The car features a mechanical limited-slip differential with active torque vectoring, the latter a being first for Aston Martin.

Aston hasn’t revealed official figures, but it is targeting a 20% improvement in fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions over the Aston Martin DB9. That should equate to combined economy of about 24mpg and CO2 emissions of roughly 270g/km.

Structure

The new DB11 is longer, wider and lower than the DB9, at 4739mm long, 2060mm wide and 1279mm tall. Additionally, the wheelbase is 65mm longer, with Aston emphasising the car’s capabilities as a true 2+2 grand tourer. Compared with the DB9, the front and rear track widths have increased by 75mm and 43mm respectively, and overall width has been extended by 28mm. The front overhang has been reduced by 16mm and the rear overhang increased by 11mm, with an overall gain in length of 50mm.

Dynamics

Using a steering wheel-mounted button, the driver can select from three dynamic modes — GT, Sport and Sport Plus — which progressively intensify the responses of the engine, transmission, electric power steering and torque vectoring by braking system. A separate button also increases the firmness of the Bilstein adaptive dampers.

Design

Although Aston Martin’s new design language was previewed on the DB10, which was created for the Bond film Spectre last year, the DB11 marks the first time that it has appeared on a full production model.

The all-LED headlights and tail-lights are another defining element of the DB11’s design. They incorporate daytime running lights and low-speed cornering lights for the first time on an Aston Martin.

A roof strake that flows in an unbroken arc from the A-pillar to the C-pillar is another design signature, and the side strake on the car’s flanks, while harking back to past Aston Martins, has been reimagined and now forms part of the Curlicue air vent.

Interior

The cabin is a blend of recognisable Aston Martin design, such as the centre console that flows from the dashboard to the transmission tunnel and the familiar gear-change buttons, and new technology, including some sourced from Daimler. A new instrument cluster features a full-colour 12-inch TFT LCD screen, and a second, centrally mounted 8-inch TFT screen is dedicated to infotainment. Operation is via a rotary control, and an optional touchpad offers character recognition, multi-touch and gesture support.

Other features new to the DB11 include keyless entry/ start, parking control including parallel and bay park assistance, a 360-degree bird’s-eye camera and an electrically powered steering column with an ‘up and away’ function for easier ingress and egress.

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