MOTOR RIVALS

A new chapter in Aston Martin's history began at the 86th International Geneva Motor Show with the unveiling of the Aston Martin DB11. The first product launched under the company's 'Second Century' plan, DB11 is the bold new figurehead of the illustrious 'DB' bloodline and an authentic, dynamic sporting GT in the finest Aston Martin tradition.

The Aston Martin DB11 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, DB11 is the most powerful, most efficient and most dynamically gifted 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.

Heralding a new design era for Aston Martin, DB11 is the latest landmark in a remarkable aesthetic journey; one that gave us icons such as the DB2/4, DB5 and, most recently, the DB10 developed specifically for James Bond. Aston Martin DB11 re-imagines the relationship between form and function with a series of fresh design signatures. Foremost amongst these are the front-hinging clamshell bonnet, distinctive LED headlights and accentuated lines of the iconic Aston Martin grille. The profile is equally 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 smoothly blends into boldly sculpted tail-lights to create a new and unmistakable graphic.

Innovative aerodynamics play their part in this aesthetic revolution with clever management of airflow both over and through the bodywork aiding stability while preserving the DB11's uncluttered 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 AeroBladeTM; 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.

To exploit the advantages of its new body structure and harness the immense performance of the new twin-turbo V12 engine, the DB11's chassis, suspension, steering and electronics have been re-imagined and key new technologies embraced. Multiple driver-selectable dynamic modes - GT, Sport and Sport Plus - progressively intensify the response of the engine, 8-speed automatic ZF transmission together with the new electric power steering and Torque Vectoring by braking while increasing the firmness of the adaptive damping for a greater sense of agility. The result is a driving experience that combines exemplary ride comfort and true sports car agility, for an extraordinary breadth of dynamic capability.

With wider door apertures, 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, the DB11 is a genuine Grand Tourer. Thanks to an inspiring palette of colours and a vast array of detailing options, its interior can be perfectly in-tune with your unique personal style. From calming, carefully co-ordinated tones to sharp contrasts in hue and texture, your choices are virtually limitless. Nexus quilting and Celestial perforation add layers of beautiful complexity and intrigue, while ornate leatherwork, such as intricate brogue detailing, creates areas of visual and tactile delight.

Recommended Retail Price from £154,900 in the UK, €204,900 in Germany and $211,995 in USA, first deliveries of the Aston Martin DB11 car are scheduled to begin during the fourth quarter of 2016.

Powertrain

Designed in-house by Aston Martin's powertrain team - headed by Chief Powertrain Engineer Brian Fitzsimons - this new 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 is the DB11's beating heart. Developing 608PS and 700NM of torque, the twin-turbocharged engine - a first for a series production Aston Martin - is the most powerful ever fitted to a 'DB' road car. A top speed of 200mph and the capability to accelerate from 0-62mph in 3.9sec confirm its performance credentials.

Thanks to state-of-the-art variable valve timing, intelligent bank activation and stop-start technology it is also the most fuel efficient. By imperceptibly shutting down one bank of cylinders during periods of low demand - such as when cruising, lift-off or under light acceleration - significantly less fuel is consumed. To ensure catalyst temperatures remain within their operating range during periods of deactivation, when the dormant catalyst reaches its minimum temperature threshold the management system switches activation to that cylinder bank. This smart and seamless solution delivers much improved efficiency and lower emissions without compromising performance or driving enjoyment when the full power and torque of this exceptional engine can be utilised.

Crucially this new engine is not just a collection of impressive numbers. It also has abundant character, thanks to its tremendous breadth of performance, exceptional response and authentic V12 soundtrack. We were adamant Aston Martin DB11 should have an honest, genuine engine note, so what you hear comes purely from the intake and exhaust, not from speakers pumping sythesised sound into the cockpit. This sound quality plays an important part in the overall driving experience. Each dynamic driving mode turns the level of noise up or down, and with it the level of emotional character and connection. GT mode keeps the noise levels at a satisfying simmer, but select Sport or Sport Plus and the engine noise becomes progressively more intense. Conversely when you wish to be as discreet as possible a new 'quiet start' offers a low-key alternative to DB11's otherwise rousing flare of revs on start-up.

Aston Martin DB11's transmission is an 8-speed paddle-shift torque converter automatic gearbox. A development of that found in the Vanquish and Rapide S, DB11's transaxle features a mechanical limited-slip differential with Active Torque Vectoring - a first for Aston Martin. Redesigned to improve packaging, the differential uses a pair of rear-mounted transfer gears to enable the location of the crown wheel alongside the transmission. This shortens the transaxle assembly by 60mm, allowing the transmission to be mounted further rearwards to facilitate gains in the range of front seat adjustment.

Chassis

To exploit the advantages of its new body structure and harness the immense performance of the new twin-turbocharged V12 engine, DB11's chassis, suspension, steering and electronics have been completely re-worked and new technologies embraced. The result is a driving experience of extraordinary breadth and capability.

The most potent DB ever demands the most sophisticated and capable chassis. To this end the DB11 suspension system combines with the latest generation Bilstein adaptive damping, Active Torque Vectoring via brakes and multiple driver-selectable dynamic modes giving DB11 chameleon-like adaptability to the road and the ability to ramp-up its responsiveness and sporting characteristics on-demand.

The key to this breadth of character are the three dynamic driving modes and the interaction between those areas of the chassis that contribute to class-leading steering, ride, and handling. To achieve this, the chassis takes information from multiple sources to build a three-dimensional picture of the forces acting upon it. These sources include sensors monitoring vehicle speed, steering angle and steering rate, lateral and longitudinal acceleration and vertical movement. Painstaking tuning and calibration of the latest generation Bilstein adaptive damping, electric power steering and Active Torque Vectoring via brakes ensure Aston Martin DB11 delivers the appropriate feel and response for any given situation or style of driving.

Each of the dynamic driving modes has its own distinct character, but nothing is contrived. Rather each offers a carefully honed progression from one to the next for a natural, intuitive consistency of feel. Select GT mode and you'll marvel at the exemplary ride quality and maturity of character. Switching to Sport adds a touch more firmness, control and response to the damping, while the new electric power steering and Active Torque Vectoring via brakes adjust to quicken the rate of response for a greater sense of agility. Selecting Sport Plus mode turns-up the intensity; suspension, steering, engine, transmission and Active Torque Vectoring system working in unison to truly awaken the sports car within and connect the driver more directly to the action.

Aston Martin's dynamics team has worked closely with Bridgestone; the official technical partner for tyre development on DB11. The resulting bespoke Bridgestone S007 tyre has a unique tread pattern, construction and compound for the DB11 for improved wet weather performance, more progressive on-limit behaviour and consistent handling in wet and dry conditions. Tyre sizes are 255/45 front and 295/35 rear and fitted to 9Jx20in (front) and 11Jx20in (rear) cast flow formed alloy wheels. The front brakes are 400mm cast iron discs 'floating' on an aluminium bell, with 6-piston monobloc calipers. Rear discs are 360mm cast iron discs with an integrated cast aluminium bell and 4-piston monobloc calipers.

Technology

As the world's finest sporting Grand Tourer, Aston Martin DB11 immerses you in your own private world. One made from sumptuous natural materials, shining with the highest levels of craftsmanship and packed with state-of-the-art technology developed in-conjunction with technical partner, Daimler AG, for the ultimate combination of quality, comfort and convenience.

Using a full-colour 12" TFT LCD display, the all-new instrument cluster presents primary vehicle information with absolute clarity using unique Aston Martin instrument graphics. A second, centrally-mounted 8" TFT screen is dedicated to infotainment, including an all-new satellite navigation system. Controlled via an intuitive rotary control, with an optional touchpad offering character recognition, multi-touch and gesture support, the new satellite navigation and audio system (Aston Martin Premium Audio or Bang & Olufsen BeoSound system upgrades available) have never been easier to operate.

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

Aston Martin DB11 is packed with technological advances, but it is also a hand-crafted car made from the finest materials for an immaculate quality and an unmatched sensory experience. With an inspiring palette of paint and leather colours and a vast array of detailing options, it is possible to create a DB11 that's perfectly in-tune with each customer's personal style. From calming, carefully co-ordinated tones to sharp contrasts in hue and texture, the choices are virtually limitless.

A range of six Designer Specifications created by our in-house design team demonstrate the breadth of expression available through considered combinations of colour and trim, from classic understatement and minimalistic modernism to flamboyant contemporary schemes. Detailing such as Nexus quilting and Celestial perforation add layers of beautiful complexity and intrigue to the interior, while ornate leatherwork, such as intricate brogue detailing, create areas of visual and tactile delight unique to Aston Martin DB11.