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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

The start of a new era: Aston Martin DB11

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What is the DB11?


A start of a whole new chapter, the Aston Martin DB11 is the beginning. Showcasing a fresh and distinctive design language, pioneering aerodynamics and is powered by a potent new in-house designed 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine. Built upon a new lighter, stronger, and more space-efficient bonded aluminium structure, DB11 is the most powerful, most efficient and most dynamically gifted DB model in Aston Martin’s history.


DB11 re-imagines the relationship between form and function with a series of fresh design signatures. Foremost amongst these are the front-hinging clamshell bonnet, distinctive LED headlights and accentuated lines of the iconic Aston Martin grille.


Like every Aston Martin, the heart of the DB11 is found beneath the bonnet, though unlike any Aston Martin before it, the DB11’s heart is a 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12. Designed in-house this new engine develops 608PS (600BHP) and 700Nm of torque, making DB11 the most powerful production DB model ever. Naturally, it’s the most dynamic and most accelerative too, with a top speed of 200mph and a 0-62mph time of just 3.9sec!


Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer, 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”.


Exteriors & Interiors


The DB11 treads a fine line between retaining traditional British GT design elements and offering a contemporary performance car interior.


The car we test drove was in the exquisite cinnabar orange with interiors in a wildly contrasting full leather interiors in pure black offset by the Californian poppy leather, the floors were in obsidian black carpeting, and headlining that matched the inner seat colour and finish.


The profile is dramatic, thanks to the roof strakes that flow uninterrupted from A-pillar to C-pillar. The clean lines continue at the rear, with a sloping deck lid that smoothly blends into boldly sculpted tail-lights to create a new and unmistakable graphic.


Conjunction with the technical partner, Daimler AG, with the finest quality and hand craftsmanship. Using a full-colour 12” TFT LCD display, the all-new instrument cluster presents primary vehicle information with absolute clarity, while a second, centrally-mounted 8” TFT screen is dedicated to infotainment. 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 have never been more effective, sounded better or been easier to operate. A newly implemented auto-park assist feature and 360-degree birds-eye view camera helps provide safe manoeuvring at slow speeds and is also operated via the car’s infotainment system.

With wider door apertures, significantly increased occupant. 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.


Driving


To exploit the advantages of its new body structure and harness the immense performance of the new twin-turbo V12 engine, the DB11’s chassis, suspension, steering and electronics have been re-imagined and key new technologies embraced. Multiple driver-selectable dynamic modes — GT, Sport and Sport Plus – progressively intensify the response of the engine, 8-speed automatic ZF transmission together with the new electric power steering and Torque Vectoring by braking while increasing the firmness of the adaptive damping for a greater sense of agility. It feels wider than its lane and rolls too much to be able to place with any accuracy in a tight corner. You can firm things up by dialling the adaptive dampers through three modes — GT, S and S+ - and body control becomes noticeably tighter without nuking the ride. In sheer performance terms, it’s a big step on. On the motorway it doesn’t much care whether your cruising at 50mph or 150mph, it ticks over silently, utterly unstressed. Matching its good looks and performance, be sure to keep an ear out when you stepping on the gas pedal or taking a turn (or both), be prepared for a slobber-inducing exhaust note sure to get the attention of those in and around the car.


The result is a driving experience that combines exemplary ride comfort and true sports car agility, for an extraordinary breadth of dynamic capability.


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