Production for the Aston Martin DB11 has officially began at the British automaker’s home production facility in Gaydon, England. No less than Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer was on hand to witness the milestone event.

Palmer understandably called the event “an exciting moment for the entire company” as production of the DB11 signals the official start of the company’s ambitious “Second Century Plan.” The DB11, which was just launched at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show in March, is expected to lay the groundwork for as many as seven new models from the British automaker, including next-generation versions of the Vantage and Vanquish sports cars, as well as the DBX electric crossover, a pair of Lagonda-badged sedans, and a supercar that will compete against the likes of the Ferrari 488 GTB.

The importance of the DB11 to Aston Martin is evident by Palmer’s promise to personally inspect the first 1,000 DB11 models to be produced. Considering that interest in the car is off to a resounding high – Aston has already received 3,000 orders for the DB11 – production of the successor to the DB9 should make it an incredibly busy time inside the Gaydon facility as Aston Martin officially starts a new chapter in its long and illustrious history.

Continue after the jump to read the full story.

This moment is more important than you think

If this were any other model, it probably wouldn’t be newsworthy at all. But this isn’t just about the model, even though that you can say that production for the Aston Martin DB11 is going to garner some attention. This is about the dawn of a new era for the British automaker as it officially embarks on its Second Century Plan.

It’s easy to romanticize this moment and wax poetic about what his new era means for the British automaker. I’m not going down that route. This moment is important because it also signals a return to form for Aston Martin. Granted, it’s too early to tell if the company will be able to once again shine in this sea of exotics, but the DB11 is the first salvo at it and considering the massive interest in the car, it’s off to a pretty good start.

If the DB11 is as successful as a lot of people, myself included, make it out to be, then the company’s next offerings will carry extra doses of clout that could attract more customers to the company. Remember, that Second Century Plan is as ambitious as it comes as far as long-term strategies are concerned. And when talking about these types of things, the best way for an automaker to make an impression is to put its best foot forward from the very beginning.

Aston Martin DB11 Specs

Drivetrain

5.2-liter V-12 Twin-turbocharged

Transmission

8-speed ZF automatic gearbox

Output

600 HP

Torque

516 LB-FT

0 to 62 mph

3.9 seconds

top speed

200 mph


Read our full review on the 2017 Aston Martin DB11 here.