2017 Aston Martin DB11

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.

Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer, Dr Andy Palmer said: "We aspire to make the most beautiful cars in the world. Aston Martin DB11 is the absolute embodiment of what an Aston Martin should be and we have worked tirelessly to ensure that DB11 combines both exceptional design with the latest technology throughout. A brand new bonded aluminium platform, clever aerodynamics, a new characterful twin-turbo V12 and class-leading infotainment systems are just a few aspects which make this the sports car that will proudly spearhead Aston Martin's second century plan."

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.

Like every Aston Martin, the heart of the DB11 is found beneath the bonnet, though unlike any Aston Martin before it, the Aston Martin DB11's heart is a 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12. Designed in-house this new engine develops 608PS1 (600BHP) and 700Nm of torque, making DB11 the most powerful production DB model ever. Naturally, it's the most dynamic and most accelerative too, with a top speed of 200mph and a 0-62mph time of just 3.9sec. Thanks to intelligent bank activation and stop-start technology that potency is matched by greatly improved efficiency.

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.

As a true 21st century Aston Martin the DB11 combines the very latest technology developed in conjunction with technical partner, Daimler AG, with the finest quality and hand craftsmanship. Using a full-colour 12" TFT LCD display, the all-new instrument cluster presents primary vehicle information with absolute clarity, while a second, centrally-mounted 8" TFT screen is dedicated to infotainment. 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 have never been more effective, sounded better or been easier to operate. A newly implemented auto-park assist feature and 360-degree birds-eye view camera helps provide safe maneuvering at slow speeds and is also operated via the car's infotainment system.

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.

Dr Andy Palmer said: ""This is not only the most important car that Aston Martin has launched in recent history, but also in its 103-year existence. The DB11 rightfully places Aston Martin once again as a leading brand in the luxury automotive market".

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.

Design

The work of Aston Martin's award-winning in-house design team - led by Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman - DB11 pioneers a bold new design language. One that's unmistakably Aston Martin, yet fresh from nose to tail. Respectful of the DB line's immaculate design legacy, but energised by the challenge of creating a successor to spearhead Aston Martin's 'Second Century' plan, Reichman and his team have produced an exceptional and exciting shape that incorporates countless new details and truly ground breaking aerodynamics.

Two of the most distinctive areas of the Aston Martin DB11's design are its striking new grille and clamshell bonnet. Combining familiar features with radical new ideas it gives DB11 a fresh yet unmistakable identity. In terms of Aston Martin design the front grille is a timeless and truly iconic signature. For DB11 it has been developed; amplified into a stronger and more significant feature. Exerting greater influence on the overall design, it is the source from which all the body's form and surface lines emanate. As such, it presents a powerful symbol of DB11's confidence and capabilities.

The clamshell bonnet is a lesson in how complete co-operation between design and engineering teams creates smart solutions to major challenges. From an aesthetic point of view the pressed aluminium bonnet satisfied the design team's desire for a sculptural form with a minimum of shut lines interrupting the surfaces. From an engineering perspective, the clamshell also provides a smart solution to stringent pedestrian safety regulations, thanks to the large one-piece panel's ability to absorb and dissipate energy so effectively it avoids the need for heavy, complex active pyrotechnic safety systems. This in turn allows the bonnet line to remain as tight to the underlying hard points as possible, thereby preserving the taut lines the design team strive to achieve.

The headlights are another defining element of the Aston Martin DB11's design. All-LED, they incorporate daytime running lights and low-speed cornering lights for the first time on an Aston Martin. This new technology is reflected in a much more technical look to the light units themselves, though the design team worked hard to ensure the lights retained an expressive quality to add distinction to the DB11's 'face'.

Flowing in an unbroken arc from A-pillar to C-pillar, the dramatic new roof strake is another bold and unmistakable DB11 design signature and a perfect example of the extraordinary lengths to which the design team will go to achieve perfection. This incredibly labour-intensive component, which is first extruded, then stretch bent, then pressed, then laser cut, then polished and finally, anodised to achieve the complex shape and flawless finish its design demands. When used in polished form the roof arc highlights the cabin with a bright 'tick graphic', while black finish creates a canopy effect to separate upper and lower body sections for a different, but equally dramatic effect.

Aerodynamics are a key ingredient of Aston Martin DB11's design. Careful concealment and seamless integration have preserved the clean surfaces and uninterrupted flow of lines from nose to tail, while at the same time creating areas of surprise and intrigue. This integration of innovative aerodynamic solutions perhaps best expresses Aston Martin's design philosophy of form and function working in harmony, rather than one assuming the dominant role.

Best examples of this are the re-imagined side strake - a time-honoured Aston Martin design element - which now forms part of the 'Curlicue' vent that extracts high-pressure air from the front wheel arch to reduce lift. Likewise, the Aston Martin AeroBladeTM is a truly innovative 'virtual spoiler'. Fed via discreet intakes located at the base of the c-pillars air is channelled through ducts that pass within the body, before exiting via slots in the rear deck lid to create a jet of disrupted air that reduces rear lift. Freed from the need to incorporate a 'flip' profile to spoil the airflow, the design team could give the DB11 its distinctive sloping tail without any compromise in stability.

Like the frontal treatment, the tail is a powerful element of the overall DB11 design, the most striking element being the LED taillights. Retaining the boomerang graphic by which all modern Aston Martins can be recognised, Aston Martin DB11's lights are a far more three-dimensional component thanks to what our designers refer to as the 'discus section' that at once integrates the lights into the overall rear-end treatment, but also serve to separate the upper and lower sections of the tail. Like the rest of the design it's a super-modern feature, yet very definitely an Aston Martin.

DB11's progressive, contemporary exterior design is mirrored in the interior. Key Aston Martin design elements remain, but in re-imagined form. The main TFT instrument display has a technical look, while the centre console remains a smooth cascade that flows from the dashboard down to the transmission tunnel. Gentle lines flowing fore to aft through the cabin create an unhurried elegance that's both spacious and intimate, cosseting, but not cramped. Stylish, looping lines that come back on themselves to picture frame details within the door panels add interest and visual stimulation. No question, DB11 provides a magnificent environment for driver and passengers alike.

Fine materials and highly skilled hand-craftsmanship are the Aston Martin DB11 interior's crowning glory. Continuing the tradition established by DB9, DB11 presents traditional materials and techniques in modern, dynamic ways that suits the car's sporting character. Trim inlays have been brought up to date, with some woods shunning high-gloss finish for open grains in which you can see and feel the texture. It looks more natural and authentic.

Likewise, Aston Martin DB11 is a showcase for some of the most imaginative use of leather you'll find in any car at any price. Quilting. Perforation. Brogueing. Each technique adds a different layer of intricacy, detail and delight to the interior. Made, rather than manufactured, it's what gives Aston Martin DB11 its warmth of character and why the Aston Martins of today and tomorrow will always be a true expression of craftsmanship.

Chief Creative Officer, Marek Reichman said: "Every millimetre of DB11 has been re-imagined from the ground up. The DB11's proportions have been thoroughly scrutinised, and intuitively measured, to ensure its beauty and elegance, while ground-breaking aerodynamics have been integrated to further enhance the car's design language. Even down to the hidden detailing, every part of Aston Martin DB11 is designed to create the world's most alluring DB to date".