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Surrey’s Premier Lifestyle Magazine
Rebirth of an icon
A new chapter in Aston Martin’s history began at the 86th International Geneva Motor Show with the unveiling of DB11 last year. The first product launched under the company’s ‘second century’ plan, DB11 was the bold new figurehead of the illustrious ‘DB’ bloodline and an authentic, dynamic sporting GT in the finest Aston Martin tradition. Euan Johns was suitably wowed.
I usually suffer an involuntary reflex whenever I see an Aston Martin, and it’s nothing to do with imagining myself as James Bond. Put simply, these cars send a tingle of excitement up, then down, and then back up my spine again: they are simply exquisite and beautiful things to behold.
DB11 is, perhaps, the most important car Aston Martin has ever launched, at least in the judgement of Dr Andy Palmer, the firm’s president and CEO. Charged with repositioning Aston Martin as a luxury brand rather than just a carmaker, this vehicle goes a fair way towards that aim. If this car represents the first darts thrown in the gamble, than they’ve scored one hundred and eighty.
DB11 showcases a fresh and distinctive design, pioneering aerodynamics and is powered by a potent, new, in-house designed, 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine.
It’s the first Aston to have a turbo-charged engine and is there to meet increasingly stringent environmental concerns. Purists need not worry though as the engine is a silent monster, taking the car from a standstill to 60mph in 3.9 seconds, so the quickest DB ever made.
DB11 is, perhaps, the most important car Aston Martin has ever launched, at least in the judgement of Dr Andy Palmer, the firm’s president and CEO. Charged with repositioning Aston Martin as a luxury brand rather than just a carmaker, this vehicle goes a fair way towards that aim. If this car represents the first darts thrown in the gamble, than they’ve scored one hundred and eighty.
DB11 showcases a fresh and distinctive design, pioneering aerodynamics and is powered by a potent, new, in-house designed, 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine.
It’s the first Aston to have a turbo-charged engine and is there to meet increasingly stringent environmental concerns. Purists need not worry though as the engine is a silent monster, taking the car from a standstill to 60mph in 3.9 seconds, so the quickest DB ever made.
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Built upon a new lighter, stronger and more space efficient bonded aluminium structure, DB11 is the most powerful, efficient and dynamically gifted DB model in Aston Martin’s history. As such, it’s the most significant new Aston Martin since the introduction of the DB9 in 2003.
Dr Andy Palmer said: “We aspire to make the most beautiful cars in the world. 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 provided icons such as the DB2/4, DB5 and, most recently, the DB10 developed specifically for you know who.
DB11 re-imagines the relationship between form and function with a series of fresh design features. Foremost amongst these are the front-hinging clamshell bonnet, distinctive LED headlights and accentuated lines of the iconic Aston Martin grille. The profile is stunning, in no short measure due to to the roof strakes that flow uninterrupted. The clean lines continue to the rear, with a sloping decklid that blends into sculpted tail-lights to create a new and unmistakeable look.
The epitome of Aston Martin’s progressive design principles, DB11 is the ultimate partnership of design and cutting edge technology. In recognition of this, the car won the T3 Design of the Year Award presented annually for the world’s best technology products. The award seeks the “most pleasing looking device, or one that reimagines what a product of its type can look like”.
DB11 became available in the UK at the end of last year, so for those whose New Year resolutions included buying a new car, then what are you waiting for? Above everything four things stand out: the engine, the looks, the steering and the ride. What more is there to ask?
Dr Andy Palmer said: “We aspire to make the most beautiful cars in the world. 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 provided icons such as the DB2/4, DB5 and, most recently, the DB10 developed specifically for you know who.
DB11 re-imagines the relationship between form and function with a series of fresh design features. Foremost amongst these are the front-hinging clamshell bonnet, distinctive LED headlights and accentuated lines of the iconic Aston Martin grille. The profile is stunning, in no short measure due to to the roof strakes that flow uninterrupted. The clean lines continue to the rear, with a sloping decklid that blends into sculpted tail-lights to create a new and unmistakeable look.
The epitome of Aston Martin’s progressive design principles, DB11 is the ultimate partnership of design and cutting edge technology. In recognition of this, the car won the T3 Design of the Year Award presented annually for the world’s best technology products. The award seeks the “most pleasing looking device, or one that reimagines what a product of its type can look like”.
DB11 became available in the UK at the end of last year, so for those whose New Year resolutions included buying a new car, then what are you waiting for? Above everything four things stand out: the engine, the looks, the steering and the ride. What more is there to ask?
“This is not only the most important car that Aston Martin has launched in recent history,
but also in its 103 year existence. DB11 rightfully places Aston Martin once again as a leading brand in the luxury automotive market.”
Dr Andy Palmer, president and CEO, Aston Martin