or just another expensive super car?
by Mike –
Aston Martin introduced the all new DB11 at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2016 – replacing the DB9. Notice Aston goes from DB9 to DB11, that is because the DB10 name was used for a special car for a James Bond movie.
The new Aston Martin is an “11” which all Spinal Tap fans know is better than a “10”, so it all works out.
Aston Martin DB11 on Ocean Avenue – photo by Mike Gulett
Aston Martin DB11 on Ocean Avenue – photo by Mike Gulett
The Aston Martin DB11 brochure says this,
DB11’s new twin-turbocharged 5.2-litre V12 engine, boasting 600 bhp and 700 Nm of torque, makes this the most powerful DB production model in Aston Martin’s history. It’s also the most dynamic, reaching 200 mph, with 62 mph dispatched in 3.9 seconds. What’s less expected is that DB11 should also be the cleanest and most fuel efficient DB ever produced, yet such are the tremendous advances made by this landmark car.
Aston Martin on Ocean Avenue – photo by Mike Gulett
I believe this is the first turbo charged production Aston Martin. It also may be the biggest step forward for Aston Martin in decades since the DB7 was introduced in 1998 with the follow on introduction of the first Aston Martin V12 in the DB7 in 1999.
Aston Martin on Ocean Avenue – photo by Mike Gulett
Aston Martin on Ocean Avenue – photo by Mike Gulett
Aerodynamics have been innovated such that this very fast super car does not need a wing on the back or even a little flip up of the tail – thus maintaining the beauty of the designers intention.
Aston Martin on Ocean Avenue – photo by Mike Gulett
Although it does have a movable spoiler that comes up when needed and goes back down when not needed – read below what the brochure says about this as only the British can explain.
When more stability is needed, a small active spoiler automatically deploys from the bootlid to increase the effectiveness of the Aston Martin Aeroblade™. When no longer required it retracts back into the bootlid to preserve DB11’s uncluttered lines.
Aston Martin on Ocean Avenue – some of the color choices – photo by Mike Gulett
This past August during Monterey Car Week Aston Martin rented a store on Ocean Avenue in downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea, which must have been very expensive. Here are some of my photos from that event and the other photos are from Aston Martin.
I have not yet driven a DB11 but I suspect I will.
Aston Martin on Ocean Avenue – photo by Mike Gulett
Aston Martin on Ocean Avenue – photo by Mike Gulett
It is reported that prices for the DB11 will start at around $215,000 USD in the US. Think of the current collectable car you could buy for this price – or maybe think about the collectable cars you could not buy: De Tomaso Mangsuta, Iso Grifo, Bizzarrini GT 5300, Maserati Ghibli SS, Mercedes 300SL, AC Shelby Cobra, Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato – and the list goes on. Make you think?
Let us know what you think in the Comments.
Aston Martin DB11 – photos from Aston Martin
Aston Martin on Ocean Avenue – photo by Mike Gulett
oh dear…the ford capri
Yup seeing this as a future collectible, it is a real step forward for Aston Martin and they are to be touted for their progressive approach to building cars once again.
I just have to say that you, Mike, have inspired me to do some really atypical automotive swapping this year. Now I own 2 fiberglass cars, and one sounds like a NASCAR car when I pass people. Will you invite me to accompany you in your test drive?
Dan R,
I am happy I have inspired you. Yes, come along for a drive – I do not know when this will be because I don’t think DB11s are here yet. The nearest Aston dealer to me is about 70 miles away.
I miss my 1961 DB4 Aston Martin.
It had so many things, big and small that were not compatible with US weather and conditions it was a long list. I did not care. In a lifetime of special cars I would like that one back.
The Brits supporting the Astons were wonderful.
When this one holed a piston chasing a special Mustang Rex Woodgate did me a personal favor and surprise, and sent back to England for the Le Mans race parts to rebuild the engine and added the oil cooler and support parts.
Nice , Stealth Aston after that.
Thanks Rex.
Aston Martin is now on an expansion wave, wants to increase models and sales, and even has an SUV in the pipeline. Mercedes now owns a piece of them, so their plans are feasible. This car got great reviews in all of the car magazines, so, yes, I think it is a future collectible. I actually believe any Aston is a collectible, even the 4-door Lagonda from the eighties to me has a timeless beauty to it.
One of these was at our Cars & Croissants meeting a couple months ago (Florham Park, NJ). An absolutely beautiful design and a pleasure to see. It’s great that Aston now has the financial support to continue doing what they do best.
I test drove the DB11 and I have to say it’s a huge improvement over my 2009 DB9. I also will say I still prefer the look of the DB9 but that’s it. The technology in the DB9 was an embarrassment for a car at that price point. The DB 11 has finally stepped up to the mark.