Aston Martin DB11

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”.

Engineering

Lighter, stronger, more dynamic and space-efficient. These are the ambitious targets that were set when creating DB11. As leaders in bonded aluminium construction we achieved every single one. With its aluminium structure, front-mounted V12 engine and rear-wheel drive, DB11 takes the established Aston Martin blueprint and evolves it into the ultimate modern sporting Grand Tourer. Though many of these improvements and innovations are hidden from view, you can feel them at work in every facet of the car.

Utilising a mix of new bonded aluminium pressings, extrusions and castings, DB11’s body structure sets new standards for mass vs stiffness. The body panels are made from a mix of pressed aluminium for the clamshell bonnet, roof and doors, composite material for the rear haunches, front wings and rear decklid assembly and injection moulded plastic for the front and rear bumpers, sills, front splitter and rear diffuser. The roof strakes are formed from extruded and pressed aluminium.

Increasing the wheelbase by 65mm has enabled us to mount the V12 engine further back in the chassis to achieve near-perfect weight distribution and agile handling. Compared with DB9, front and rear track widths have increased by 75mm and 43mm respectively, while the overall width has increased by just 28mm. The front overhang has been reduced by 16mm and the rear overhang increased by 11mm, with an overall gain in length of 50mm.

A new, more efficiently packaged fuel tank enables the luggage compartment to accommodate a full luggage set. Redesigned A-pillar structures and a reduction in the and width of the sill sections increases the size of the door apertures to ease ingress and egress. Front seat occupants benefit from a useful 10mm increase in headroom and a greater range of seat movement, while in the rear a 54mm increase headroom, 87mm gain in legroom ensure Aston Martin DB11 is a true 2+2. And, for the first time in an Aston Martin, rear ISOFIX points allow for the fitment of two child seats in the rear, further expanding DB11’s practicality.

Director of Product Development, Ian Minards said: “We have taken everything that we have learned over a decade of utilising bonded aluminium and created a significantly improved body structure as a result. It was absolutely vital that the new bodyshell provided DB11 with additional stiffness, but with reduced mass and hence the opportunity for optimised dynamic performance. This has helped to ensure that this is the best GT sports car that Aston Martin has ever produced. I am confident that our engineering team at Gaydon has not disappointed”.

Powertrain

Designed in-house by Aston Martin’s powertrain team – headed by Chief Powertrain Engineer Brian Fitzsimons – this new 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 is the DB11’s beating heart. Developing 608PS and 700NM of torque, the twin-turbocharged engine – a first for a series production Aston Martin – is the most powerful ever fitted to a ‘DB’ road car. A top speed of 200mph and the capability to accelerate from 0-62mph in 3.9sec confirm its performance credentials.

Thanks to state-of-the-art variable valve timing, intelligent bank activation and stop-start technology it is also the most fuel efficient. By imperceptibly shutting down one bank of cylinders during periods of low demand – such as when cruising, lift-off or under light acceleration – significantly less fuel is consumed. To ensure catalyst temperatures remain within their operating range during periods of deactivation, when the dormant catalyst reaches its minimum temperature threshold the management system switches activation to that cylinder bank. This smart and seamless solution delivers much improved efficiency and lower emissions without compromising performance or driving enjoyment when the full power and torque of this exceptional engine can be utilised.

Crucially this new engine is not just a collection of impressive numbers. It also has abundant character, thanks to its tremendous breadth of performance, exceptional response and authentic V12 soundtrack. We were adamant Aston Martin DB11 should have an honest, genuine engine note, so what you hear comes purely from the intake and exhaust, not from speakers pumping sythesised sound into the cockpit. This sound quality plays an important part in the overall driving experience. Each dynamic driving mode turns the level of noise up or down, and with it the level of emotional character and connection. GT mode keeps the noise levels at a satisfying simmer, but select Sport or Sport Plus and the engine noise becomes progressively more intense. Conversely when you wish to be as discreet as possible a new ‘quiet start’ offers a low-key alternative to DB11’s otherwise rousing flare of revs on start-up.

Thermal management of the engine is handled by a pair of water charge air coolers (WACACs) mounted on either side of the engine. The water-air system was chosen over an air-to-air system as it offers the shortest charge air path to help minimise charge inertia and improve throttle response.

Aston Martin DB11’s transmission is an 8-speed paddle-shift torque converter automatic gearbox. A development of that found in the Vanquish and Rapide S, DB11’s transaxle features a mechanical limited-slip differential with Active Torque Vectoring – a first for Aston Martin. Redesigned to improve packaging, the differential uses a pair of rear-mounted transfer gears to enable the location of the crown wheel alongside the transmission. This shortens the transaxle assembly by 60mm, allowing the transmission to be mounted further rearwards to facilitate gains in the range of front seat adjustment.

Chief Powertrain Engineer, Brian Fitzsimons said of the new 5.2-litre V12: “It was of paramount importance to ensure that we pushed the boundaries on both performance and efficiency whilst retaining characteristic class leading V12 sound quality. Creating our twin-turbocharged powertrain has been a significant but fantastic challenge and we’re very proud to have engineered a great new British V12 engine to enable Aston Martin DB11 to be the most characterful and capable all round GT car that this brand has produced”

Driving Dynamics

To exploit the advantages of its new body structure and harness the immense performance of the new twin-turbocharged V12 engine, DB11’s chassis, suspension, steering and electronics have been completely re-worked and new technologies embraced. The result is a driving experience of extraordinary breadth and capability.

The most potent DB ever demands the most sophisticated and capable chassis. To this end the DB11 suspension system combines with the latest generation Bilstein adaptive damping, Active Torque Vectoring via brakes and multiple driver-selectable dynamic modes giving DB11 chameleon-like adaptability to the road and the ability to ramp-up its responsiveness and sporting characteristics on-demand.

The key to this breadth of character are the three dynamic driving modes and the interaction between those areas of the chassis that contribute to class-leading steering, ride, and handling. To achieve this, the chassis takes information from multiple sources to build a three-dimensional picture of the forces acting upon it. These sources include sensors monitoring vehicle speed, steering angle and steering rate, lateral and longitudinal acceleration and vertical movement. Painstaking tuning and calibration of the latest generation Bilstein adaptive damping, electric power steering and Active Torque Vectoring via brakes ensure Aston Martin DB11 delivers the appropriate feel and response for any given situation or style of driving.

Each of the dynamic driving modes has its own distinct character, but nothing is contrived. Rather each offers a carefully honed progression from one to the next for a natural, intuitive consistency of feel. Select GT mode and you’ll marvel at the exemplary ride quality and maturity of character. Switching to Sport adds a touch more firmness, control and response to the damping, while the new electric power steering and Active Torque Vectoring via brakes adjust to quicken the rate of response for a greater sense of agility. Selecting Sport Plus mode turns-up the intensity; suspension, steering, engine, transmission and Active Torque Vectoring system working in unison to truly awaken the sports car within and connect the driver more directly to the action.

Aston Martin’s dynamics team has worked closely with Bridgestone; the official technical partner for tyre development on DB11. The resulting bespoke Bridgestone S007 tyre has a unique tread pattern, construction and compound for the DB11 for improved wet weather performance, more progressive on-limit behaviour and consistent handling in wet and dry conditions. Tyre sizes are 255/45 front and 295/35 rear and fitted to 9Jx20in (front) and 11Jx20in (rear) cast flow formed alloy wheels. The front brakes are 400mm cast iron discs ‘floating’ on an aluminium bell, with 6-piston monobloc calipers. Rear discs are 360mm cast iron discs with an integrated cast aluminium bell and 4-piston monobloc calipers.

Chief of Vehicle Attribute Engineering, Matt Becker said: “We have assessed and developed every aspect of Aston Martin DB11 to ensure its dynamic ability met and exceeded all of the targets that we set out at the beginning of this project. Through utilising the settings of GT, Sport and Sport Plus, we have been able to give DB11 three thoroughly distinctive characters, ensuring customers are equipped with a very capable car for different road conditions and driver requirements”

Aerodynamics

In the quest for increased performance and efficiency our aerodynamics team embarked on an extraordinary journey.

Led by Darren Coe, Aston Martin’s Aerodynamics Manager, the team explored ideas that not only mastered the airflow over and around its bodywork, but pioneered innovative ways of flowing air through its bodywork. The inspired results are two powerful, yet beautifully simple solutions to the perennial problem of reducing lift, increasing stability and minimising drag. We call them Curlicue and the Aston Martin AeroBladeTM.

Derived directly from our race cars and recently integrated into the Aston Martin Vulcan track-only supercar, Curlicue is a gill-like vent incorporated into each front wheel arch lining to reduce unwanted front-end aerodynamic lift. Neatly concealed beneath the clamshell bonnet, the Curlicue works by venting high-pressure air from the top of each front wheel arches though recessed apertures behind the iconic Aston Martin side strakes. Further high pressure air is extracted from the back of each wheel arch through discreet stirrup vents positioned aft of the front wheels.

The Aston Martin AeroBladeTM harnesses airflow that has been carefully and precisely directed along the DB11’s flanks to enhance stability at the rear. Intake slots incorporated in the base of the c-pillars are fed with high-speed airflow, which then passes within the bodywork through specially contoured ducting before venting via discreet slots in the rear decklid. Acting like a virtual spoiler, this jet of disrupted air reduces aerodynamic lift, cleverly obviating the need for an upswept ‘flip’ in the tail. This in turn provided our design team with the freedom to create Aston Martin DB11’s distinctive sloping tail, once again illustrating how Aston Martin’s philosophy of close collaboration between design and engineering teams creates a product where form and function have parity.

When maximum stability is needed a small active spoiler automatically deploys from the decklid. Acting like a ‘Gurney’ flap commonly seen on race cars, this discreet active spoiler increases the effectiveness of the Aston Martin AeroBladeTM with negligible increase in drag. At lower speeds when no longer required, it retracts back into the decklid to preserve the DB11’s uncluttered lines.

In addition to harnessing the power of the air flowing over and through the body, careful attention has also been paid to DB11’s underfloor aerodynamics. Again using knowledge gained from Aston Martin’s motorsport programmes, the front splitter is fully functional, its size and shape precisely tuned to manage the amount of air that flows through the grille into the radiator for cooling, and how much is directed beneath the car to feed the rear diffuser.

Aerodynamics Manager, Darren Coe said: “We’ve really pushed the boundaries with Aston Martin DB11, particularly with the latest Aston Martin AeroBladeTM system. Working alongside Design, we’ve created not only a cleaner and more beautiful shape but also an incredibly effective and efficient aerodynamic instrument. Combining this with the other areas of development such as the Curlicue and underfloor, the DB11 remains the most stable and capable GT car at high speed than any other Aston Martin”.

Technology and Craftsmanship

As the world’s finest sporting Grand Tourer, Aston Martin DB11 immerses you in your own private world. One made from sumptuous natural materials, shining with the highest levels of craftsmanship and packed with state-of-the-art technology developed in-conjunction with technical partner, Daimler AG, for the ultimate combination of quality, comfort and convenience.

Using a full-colour 12″ TFT LCD display, the all-new instrument cluster presents primary vehicle information with absolute clarity using unique Aston Martin instrument graphics. A second, centrally-mounted 8″ TFT screen is dedicated to infotainment, including an all-new satellite navigation system. 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 (Aston Martin Premium Audio or Bang & Olufsen BeoSound system upgrades available) have never been easier to operate.

Other features new to DB11 include keyless entry/keyless go, parking control including parallel and bay park assistance, a 360-degree birds-eye camera and an electrically powered steering column with ‘up and away’ function for easier ingress and egress.

Aston Martin DB11 is packed with technological advances, but it is also a hand-crafted car made from the finest materials for an immaculate quality and an unmatched sensory experience. With an inspiring palette of paint and leather colours and a vast array of detailing options, it is possible to create a DB11 that’s perfectly in-tune with each customer’s personal style. From calming, carefully co-ordinated tones to sharp contrasts in hue and texture, the choices are virtually limitless.

A range of six Designer Specifications created by our in-house design team demonstrate the breadth of expression available through considered combinations of colour and trim, from classic understatement and minimalistic modernism to flamboyant contemporary schemes. Detailing such as Nexus quilting and Celestial perforation add layers of beautiful complexity and intrigue to the interior, while ornate leatherwork, such as intricate brogue detailing, create areas of visual and tactile delight unique to Aston Martin DB11.

Sonic Identity

At its most basic level, sonic identity can be described as ‘bings and bongs’, but that undersells a powerful emerging automotive industry science. Perhaps the most visceral and celebrated element of DB11’s sonic identity is its exhaust note – a magnificently rich and potent soundtrack that can switch from mellow to malevolent with a squeeze of the throttle – yet everything you hear in the car, no matter how apparently insignificant, has given just as much thought.

From the full spectrum of audible warning messages, including seatbelt alerts and low fuel reminders, to the particular click of the switchgear and the soft creak of the leather upholstery, each has been paid close attention so they have harmony and a proportionate context to one another. Nothing has been left to chance.

Using the fasten seatbelt tone as an example, Aston Martin took the conscious decision to make the warning more melodic, to be suggestive rather than demanding. If the driver ignores it, there’s a second and eventually a third step transition in intensity, but it doesn’t reach this stage until the driver has clearly driven off and not put on their belt. It credits the customer with a level of intelligence and maturity.

The fundamentals of sonic identity are matching the sounds the car makes to the visual identity of the brand. Sounds that express and encapsulate craftsmanship, solidity, refinement, engineering and design. It’s a holistic view of perceived quality. Sensory perceived quality is about understanding how every single interaction in the vehicle stimulates certain senses. If they’re all in harmony it elevates the perception of quality. Anything that’s not in harmony is sub-additive. We want everything from the simplest click of a button to be super-additive, so it builds on the experience.

To achieve this harmony of tone we’ve applied sonic identity at a supplier level to ensure the consistency of tone we’re after can be achieved across the whole car. For example, the beep of the Park Distance Control matches the tone of the indicator stalk. No one sound should stand out from the others.

Attribute Leader for Sensory Perceived Quality, Toby Fox said: “For DB11, we’ve recognised the absolute importance of sonic identity and how this effects the customer’s perception of quality overall. Owners expect, and rightly so, that all touch points of the car should not only meet but exceed a particular standard. As such, we have ensured that every interaction that is made with Aston Martin DB11 is not only harmonious but a pleasure for the customer. When there is a coherent synergy between what we see, feel and hear, experiences are ened and interactions become more compelling and memorable.”