Aston Martin debuted the DB11 in 2016 at the Geneva International Motor Show, introducing it as a replacement for the critically acclaimed DB9. Offered with both a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 from Mercedes-AMG and a twin-turbo 5.2-liter V-12 made in-house, the DB11 quickly established itself as a force to be reckoned with in the luxury grand tourer performance segment. Now, Aston is replacing the top-trim V-12 with an even-faster version from AMR, stuffing it with more power, sharper handling, and tons of aesthetic upgrades front to back, inside and out.

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

2019 Aston Martin DB11 AMR

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2019 Aston Martin DB11 AMR
  • Engine/Motor: V12
  • Horsepower: 630
  • Torque: 516
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Aston Martin DB11 AMR Exterior Styling

- Roughly the same styling as the standard model - Wide, low, and mean - Adds glossy black exterior details - Exposed carbon pieces - Dark finish for the trim - 20-inch wheels - Optional carbon bits

When it comes to the exterior updates, the Aston Martin DB11 AMR keeps the same overarching aesthetic as the outgoing model. It sits low to the ground, spread across its wide stance with chiseled, rounded good looks. The frontend is punctuated by the traditional Aston grille shape, while the headlights are drawn back into flared-out fenders. The hips on this thing are particularly wide, adding a generous emphasis to the tail, enhancing the coupe’s forward rake and sporty proportions even further.

From any angle, the Aston Martin DB11 is a head-turner, no doubt about it. To this stellar canvas Aston added both glossy black details and exposed carbon sections, all in the name of making it even more attractive.

Kicking it off is a monochrome treatment for the brighter trim pieces, with darker finishes added to the headlight surrounds, the front grille, and the twin tailpipes. The ultra-thin, ultra-sharp taillights also get a smokey lens treatment, while the roof is done in glossy black. Carbon was then added to the hood blades and side strakes.

In the corners, the DB11 AMR mounts forged aluminum wheels, sized at 20 inches in diameter and rocking a dark finish. Additional finishes are on the table as well, if you prefer something a bit brighter.

Optional equipment includes carbon bits like a new engine cover, exhaust tips, and deployable spoiler.

Aston Martin DB11 AMR Interior Design

- Similar interior layout as the standard model - More dark trim pieces inside as well - Leather and Alcantara upholstery - Lime-colored contrast color - Sport seats - Flat-bottom leather steering wheel

Much like the exterior, the interior of the Aston Martin DB11 AMR doesn’t differ all that much from the standard V-12 DB11. It still uses a rounded, deeply recessed center console for the various infotainment and HVAC controls, plus a squared gauge cluster behind the wheel and a pair of sports seats for the passengers.

However, with this latest AMR version, everything gets a bit, well, serious.

It starts with the colors, which employ loads of dark hues that do well to complement the exterior upgrades. That includes monotone leather and Alcantara upholstery, with exposed carbon bits for the center console and door inserts.

Breaking up the midnight theme is a select bit of Lime coloring, which was added as contrast stitching and stripes down both seats and the roof. You’ll also find the AMR logo embossed on the headrests.

Speaking of the seats, the DB11 AMR uses heavily bolstered sports units that look to offer a lot more lateral support than the standard DB11’s more cushy sitters. While still electrically adjustable, these definitely would appear to be more performance-focused.

Drivers get to grips with a flat-bottom, leather sports steering wheel, which is equipped as standard. Options include a carbon fiber sports steering wheel and matching paddle shifters. There’s also a matching luggage set, if that’s your kind of thing. You know, for weekend getaways and all that.

Aston Martin DB11 AMR Performance And Drivetrain

- Twin-turbo 5.2-liter V-12 - 630 horsepower, 516 pound-feet of torque - 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds - 208 mph top speed - Eight-speed automatic transmission, RWD - Sportier exhaust note - Sharper handling

As the fastest of the fast in the street-legal DB11 lineup, the AMR gets a variety of performance upgrades directly from Aston Martin’s tuner performance division. Taking cues from the company’s successful endurance program, this DB11 has the goods to challenge some of the most impressive machines ever offered with a license plate.

Providing the motivation is a standard twin-turbo 5.2-liter V-12, just like the standard V-12 DB11. This time, though, peak output is bumped up to 630 horsepower, a not-so-inconsequential 30-horse increase compared to the standard model. That figure is also a very impressive 127 horsepower more than the V8-powered DB11 variant.

Meanwhile, peak twist matches that of the standard V-12 DB11, rated at 700 Nm (516 pound-feet).

Put your foot to the floor, and the DB11 will sprint to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds, besting the standard model by two-tenths of a second. Top speed is rated at 208 mph, 8 mph more than before, making the DB11 AMR the fastest horse in Aston’s series production stable.

Routing the output to the rear axle is a standard eight-speed transmission, which, on the AMR, gets a retune for improved shifting characteristics.

The exhaust system also gets a more aggressive tune, something that really makes its presence known when you put the DB11 AMR into Sport mode.

Finally, the handling spec was sharpened by Aston’s chief Engineer Matt Becker with the aim of bringing drivers a greater feeling of connectedness, while also maintaining the grand tourer’s street manners.

Aston Martin DB11 AMR Prices

Introduced in conjunction with the grand opening of Aston’s AMR Performance Centre at the Nurburgring race track, the DB11 AMR is more performance monster than it is bespoke style queen. That said, Aston is still offering a few bits and pieces for customization purposes. For example, buyers can get theirs in either the standard color and trim, or, alternatively, Aston is also offering the DB11 AMR in three unique Designer Specifications.

If you need even more exclusivity, there’s also the AMR Signature Edition, which adds a Stirling Green and lime livery to the package, as well as additional carbon fiber detailing outside and Dark Knight leather with Lime detailing for the interior. There’s also Satin Dark Chrome switchgear and Satin Carbon Fiber trim in the cabin.

Aston is limiting production for the DB11 AMR to just 100 units.

The “standard” Aston Martin DB11 AMR comes with a price tag of 174,995 pounds in the U.K., 218,595 euros in Germany, and $241,000 in the U.S. That’s about $22,000 more than the last V-12-powered DB11. Meanwhile, pricing for the AMR Signature Edition starts at 201,995 pounds ($274,450 at current exchange rates, 05/14/2018).

Deliveries will commence in the second quarter of 2018.

Aston Martin DB11 AMR Competition

Bentley Continental Supersports

Mating obscene levels of power and luxury in a head-turning package is the Bentley Continental Supersports, which comes stuffed to the gills with outputs thanks to a turbo 6.0-liter W-12 making as much as 700 horsepower and 750 pound-feet of torque. Putting the power down is a high-performance AWD system and eight-speed automatic transmission, while the air ride suspension and ceramic brakes help it handle whatever you can throw at it. Running to 60 mph takes about 3.5 seconds, while top speed is rated at more than 200 mph.

Read our full review on the 2018 Bentley Continental GT.

Ferrari 812 Superfast

When it comes to ground-pounding grand tourers, few automakers bring the heat quite like Ferrari. One of the latest from the Prancing Horse is the 812 Superfast, which mounts a 6.5-liter V-12 just ahead of the cabin capable of sending as much as 789 horsepower and 530 pound-feet of torque to the rear axle. Routing it all is a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Put your foot down and you’ll reach 60 mph in less than 3 seconds. Keep it buried there, and the 812 Superfast lives up its name with a top speed of 211 mph.

Read our full review of the 2018 Ferrari 812 Superfast.

Final Thoughts

Not too long ago, Aston launched its dedicated performance division, also known as Aston Martin Racing, at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show. Since then, the go-faster folks have released a series of impressive models, including standouts such as the Vantage AMR and AMR Pro, with the Rapide AMR currently coming down the pipeline. This latest DB11 is yet another feather in AMR’s cap. So far, so good.

Packing “greater power, increased performance, enhanced driving dynamics, and a more characterful exhaust note,” not to mention a variety of aesthetic updates both inside and out, the DB11 AMR has a lot to offer customers looking to travel quickly in comfort and style.

According to Aston, the result of all these upgrades is “a more vivid driving experience, yet preserves the maturity and effortless continent-crushing GT performance for which the original V12-engined DB11 is rightly renowned.” And that’s a good thing, because if this was some spine-crushing race car, rivals from Bentley and Ferrari would have it licked.

“With the exceptional V8 Coupe and Volante we felt the V12 could reveal more of its sporting potential, while remaining the consummate GT,” said Aston President and CEO Dr. Andy Palmer. “By applying a suite of carefully considered performance and styling enhancements the DB11 AMR is both faster - 208 mph! - and more precise. It’s a combination that engages and cossets in equal measure to create a dynamic and seductive new flagship for the DB11 range, while consolidating the existing V12-powered DB11s as future collectibles.”

If you want to turn some heads, snap some necks, and eat up the miles, this latest DB11 is definitely among the top picks.

References

Read our full review on the 2018 Aston Martin DB11.

Read our full review on the 2018 Aston Martin Vantage AMR.

Read more Aston Martin news.