Aston Martin has been relying on its VH (Vertical/Horizontal) platform since 2001, using it in all of its vehicles except the Aston Martin One-77 and the 2011 Toyota iQ- based Cygnet city car. That came to an end in 2016, when the Brits introduced their new, lighter architecture that includes parts engineered by Mercedes’ high-performance AMG division. The new platform will also see Aston Martin vehicles receive the biturbo, 4.0-liter V-8 launched in the Mercedes-AMG GT, which will be supplied to Gaydon-based on a partnership with Daimler. The first Aston Martin product to benefit from these new features was unveiled at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. It goes by the name DB11 and replaces the iconic DB9.

Sent into showrooms for the 2017 model year, the DB11 introduced Aston Martin’s new styling language and a host of new technologies. Previewed by the DB10 James Bond movie car, the new design brought a sportier and more compact appearance to Aston Martin’s grand tourer, while still relying on the classic features that made this brand famous in the 1960s. Along with the new design, the DB11 also debuted Gaydon’s brand-new V-12 powerplant, which now makes use of turbocharging for enhanced output, improved fuel economy, and reduced emissions. Aston’s first all-new, mass-produced vehicle in more than a decade, the DB11 marked the beginning of a new era for Britain’s famed GT manufacturer.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2017 Aston Martin DB11.

2017 Aston Martin DB11

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2017 Aston Martin DB11
  • Segment: Array
  • Engine/Motor: V12
  • Horsepower: 600
  • Torque: 516
  • Transmission: eight-speed ZF automatic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The design of the DB9’s successor was a complete mystery for a very long time, but the arrival of the DB10 movie car provided a few hints about the styling direction Aston Martin is moving toward. The test mules also suggested that the DB11 will have smaller headlamps, a DB10-inspired front grille, and a revised hood. Now that the grand tourer has been unveiled, all those assumptions proved to be correct.

Aston Martin DB11

Aston Martin DB10


As far as the overall design and shape go, the DB11 seems heavily based on the DB10. The front end features a similar grille that occupies most of the nose, while the engine hood is sculpted in a similar fashion. The headlamps are also based on the DB10’s, but they’re more stylish and rounded. They’re also a bit larger than those seen on the DB10, but smaller than the DB9’s.

When viewed from the side, the DB11 is a significant departure compared to its predecessor. While it still has the long trademark hood, the rear haunches are sportier, the quarter windows and the roofline are different, and the rear overhang is shorter. The sleek roof and its silver strakes that flow uninterrupted from the A- to the C-pillar were borrowed from the DBX concept, while the quarter windows and muscular rear fenders are reminiscent of the One-77 supercar. The rear is more DB10 than anything else, with a similar decklid and diffuser. The DB11 misses the movie car’s larger spoiler, but benefits from thin C-shaped taillights that extend into the trunk lid, toward the Aston Martin badge in the middle.

Another unique feature is the new AeroBlade, for which Aston Martin applied a trademark in 2015. A virtual spoiler fed by discreet air intakes located at the base of each C-pillar, the AeroBlade redirects air through the bodywork before venting from the aperture in the rear decklid. Specifically, it enhances downforce at high speeds and eliminates the need of a conventional spoiler, thus enabling the DB11 to keep its classy lines without altering performance.

Despite being a mix of brand-new features and cues taken from somewhat older Aston Martin designs, the DB11 is extremely sexy to look at, especially from behind. Although I’ve always fancied the pure GT shape of the DB9, I think that the seemingly more compact shape of the DB11 is a tremendous idea, as it makes it feel more modern and sporty.

V-8 Model

The V-8 and V-12 versions are virtually the same on the surface, but certain differences are visible on closer inspection. First up, the V-8 model stands out by means of dark headlamps bezels. The engine hood also features two vents instead of the four seen in the V-12. These vents can be selected with either black or titanium-finish mesh, an option that's not available on the V-12. Finally, the V-8 gets its own alloy wheel design. Other than that, the two share the exact same design and aerodynamic features from bumper to bumper.

Interior

The DB11's interior has been redesigned from a clean sheet, but Aston Martin was careful enough not to stray too far from its classic GT layout. As a result, DB9 enthusiasts will probably notice some similarities in the DB11's clean dashboard design and wide center stack with twin rectangular A/C vents between the infotainment screen and its controls. But everything else is brand-new, including the race-inspired instrument cluster, the 12-inch TFT display, and the flat-bottom steering wheel with thinner spokes and repositioned controls.

There's also a new eight-inch TFT infotainment screen with rotary control and optional touchpad with character recognition, multi-touch and gesture support. The DB11 also comes with new satellite navigation and audio system, as well as an auto-park assist feature and 360-degree camera.

With two and a half inches added to the wheelbase compared to the DB9, roominess has been improved as well, especially head and legroom in the rear. The luggage compartment is now large enough to accommodate two large trolley bags plus smaller carry-on baggage.

Naturally, the DB11 has been gifted with new upholstery materials and finishes. Aston Martin promises virtually limitless combinations ranging from "calming, carefully coordinated tones to sharp contrasts in hue and texture." As you'd expect from a luxury grand tourer, nearly every surface of the interior is draped in fine leather and Alcantara highlighted by contrast stitching and piping. New finishes include layered Nexus quilting and Celestial perforation, as well as brogue detailing.

Needless to say, the DB11 is as British as they get.

V-8 Model

Inside, both V-8 and V-12 versions have the same standard equipment levels and the same extensive choice of color and trim options. Customers can also choose to enhance the specification of any of the cars via the same option packs and Designer Specification packages. Likewise, all Q by Aston Martin - Collection options feature are also available for the V-8.

Drivetrain

Under the long hood of the DB11 lurks a newly developed, 5.2-liter V-12. The twin-turbocharged mill cranks out 600 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, a 97-horsepower and 59-pound-feet increase over the DB9's larger, naturally aspirated 6.0-liter V-12. The new powerplants mates to the already traditional eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox, but with certain modifications to suit the new setup.

With this drivetrain, the DB11 needs 3.9 seconds to charge from 0 to 62 mph, on its way to a top speed of 200 mph. These figures make it 0.7 seconds quicker and 17 mph faster than the DB9.

But that's not all.

The DB11 is also more dynamic than its predecessor thanks to its new-generation chassis, suspension, steering, and electronics. Multiple driver-selectable modes allow the driver to use GT, Sport or Sport Plus settings, while the new electric power steering and torque vectoring system deliver greater agility.

The enhanced performance is back by improved efficiency. Using intelligent bank activation and stop-start technology, the DB11 is expected to return significantly better mileage, as well as emit less carbon dioxide in the air.

V-8 Model

While the V-12 is somewhat based on the old engine, the V-8 is brand-new. At least to Aston Martin, because the 4.0-liter twin-turbo unit is sourced from Mercedes-AMG, which already uses it a wide range of applications, including cars, crossovers, and the AMG GT sports car.

For this engine, Aston Martin designed a set of specific parts, including new ECU software, throttle mapping, new mounts, and a slimline wet sump system.

The V-8 is rated at 503 horsepower and 513 pound-feet of torque. While horsepower is identical to the pre-facelift AMG GT S, torque is almost as much as the AMG GT R. So this is obviously a custom configuration created specifically for the DB11. Compared to the V-12, the V-8-powered DB11 is 97 horsepower and only three pound-foot down, which isn't that much of a deficit given that the car is 253 pounds lighter.

This become obvious when we compared performance figures, as the V-8 is only a tenth-second slower from 0 to 62 mph, achieving the benchmark in four seconds. On the flipside, top speed has gone down significantly, from 200 to 187 mph.

However, Aston Martin promises that the V-8 delivers an increased sense of agility thanks to an optimized center of gravity. It also claims that this has been fully exploited with careful revisions to the suspension bushing, geometry, anti-roll bars, springs, dampers and ESP software. All told, the V-8 version is supposed to have be a "refined and comfortable GT with a more sporting bias."

Prices

Pricing for the DB11 starts from $198,995 in the U.S. Naturally, this amount brings you the V-8 model. If you fancy the V-12 drivetrain, the sticker jumps to $216,495. All told, the DB11 is only marginally more expensive than the outgoing DB9.

Competitors

Bentley Continental GT


The Continental GT was somewhat of a traditional competitor for the DB9, so it's only natural to pit it against the new DB11. Although it feels more massive and it's heavier than the DB11, mostly because it's already a very old design, the Conti GT still has what it takes to give its British rival a run for its money. It has the traditional grand tourer body shape, the sporty design, and an interior packed with luxury features and modern technology. It's well-suited under the hood too, starting with GT V8 model that comes with a twin-turbo, 4.0-liter V-8 rated at 500 horsepower and 487 pound-feet of torque. Go with the "S" badge and output increases to 521 horses and 502 pound-feet. If you're looking for a model powerful enough to go against the DB11 with the V-12, the GT also comes with a W-12 engine. Displacing 6.0 liters, it cranks out 582 horsepower and 531 pound-feet. Not powerful enough? How about the GT Speed version, which comes with 633 horsepower 620 pound-feet of tap? But wait, there's more! If you're feeling ludicrous, the Continental Supersports generates a massive 700 horsepower and 750 pound-feet of torque, which is more than enough to smoke the DB11 off the road!

Find out more about the Bentley Continental GT,GT Speed, and Supersports.

Lexus LC500

Granted, the LC500 is by no means a traditional nameplate in this niche, but Lexus has put together quite the grand tourer. Not only sporting a unique and aggressive looking design on the outside, the LC500 is also as luxurious as they get on the inside. Essentially the company's flagship coupe, the LC500 is pretty solid under the hood too, where a naturally aspirated, 5.0-liter V-8 cranks out 467 horsepower and 389 pound-feet of torque. Needless to say, it's nowhere near as powerful as the competition, it's the only naturally aspirated option you have right now. It also comes with a hybrid drivetrain that delivers 354 horsepower from a V-6 and an electric motor. Definitely the best deal is you care about how much you spend at the pump. It's also the best option if you're looking for something unique design-wise.

Learn more about the Lexus LC500.

Conclusion

While it's sad to see the DB9 disappear after all those years, the DB11 will more than make up for it as a GT that's significantly better in just about any department. Just like the former was to the iconic DB7. On paper, the DB11 is everything we expected from a modern Aston Martin. The new architecture, the twin-turbo V-12, and the upgraded technology translate into a DB11 that's lighter, quicker, more powerful, and more efficient. The redesigned interior also promises to make it more comfortable and even more luxurious than the DB9. Add the fact that a V-8-powered model is also underway, and Aston Martin might finally experience the sales boost it needs to rebound. We will miss the DB9, especially for its naturally aspirated V-12, but that's not likely to last very long given the stunning design and improved performance of the turbocharged DB11. The king is dead, long live the king!

Brief History

Shown for the first time at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show->ke235, the Aston Martin DB9 went on sale in late 2004. Designed by Ian Callum and Henrik Fisker, the DB9 hit the sports car stage to replace the 10-year old DB7->ke352. Throughout its career, the DB9 received numerous variants and special editions including the Volante convertible, as well as a race-ready 2008 Aston Martin DBR9 and DBRS9.

Aston Martin DB9

Updated History

Updated 06/09/2016: Aston Martin dropped a new video showing the new DB11 testing in sub-zero conditions in Finland and Sweden. Hit "play" to watch it in action on the snow.

Updated 03/04/2016: We added a series of new images taken during the car's official presentation at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. Click the "Pictures" tab to check them out!

Updated 03/01/2016: Aston martin unveiled the new DB11 sports car at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show.

Updated 02/25/2016: Aston Martin dropped a pretty cool teaser video for its upcoming DB11 by looking back at previous DB models. Hit "play" to watch it!

Updated 02/17/2016: RudyB001 managed to take the clearest yet picture of the upcoming DB11. Check it out after the jump and stay tuned, as the car is set to be unveiled on March 1 at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show.

Updated 02/01/2016: Based on the recent rumors and speculations, we decided to create a rendering for the upcoming DB11 supercar. We hope you like it! let us know what do you think about it on the comments section below.

Updated 01/27/2016: The guys over autojunk.nl just released an image of what appears to be the upcoming DB11, well at least the rear of the DB11. While no other details were offered, we expect to see an official debut with a few weeks before its global debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show.

Updated 09/16/2015: Aston Martin officially confirmed that the DB9 successor will be called "DB11." The model will be unveiled sometime in 2016 and was described as "the first major product of the company’s bold Second Century Plan."

Updated 07/22/2015: Youtube user cvdzijden was lucky enough to catch the upcoming Aston Martin DB11 testing on the Nurburgring. Check out the video to watch the future supercar flexing its muscles on the ring.

Spy shots

July 20, 2015 - Aston Martin DB11 caught during hot weather testing

Read the full story here.

May 19, 2015 - Aston Martin DB11 looks great in black

Read the full story here.

April 23, 2015 - Aston Martin DB11 testing on Nurburgring

Read the full story here.

April 7, 2015 - Aston Martin DB9 Successor could be called DB11

Read the full story here.

March 25, 2015 - First testing session

Read the full story here.

Leaked Images

Rendering