Aston Martin DB11 on its way to SA

The irresistible new Aston Martin DB11 is on its way to SA, hopefully towards the end of September.

First turbocharged production car in the DB11

Launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2016, the DB11 (predecessor to the DB9) had cameras flashing and blood pumping. Powered by a growling V12 engine, it’s Aston Martin’s first turbocharged series-production car. Aston Martin says that the DB11 is their most powerful and efficient DB production model in their history. It’s also their most significant model introduction since the DB9.

Twin TuboCharged 5.2L V12

Negative effects of the wind cheated in the Aston Martin

Pioneering aerodynamics had to be put in place. Not content with just having airflow go over the DB11’s sleek shape, the innovative designers made another plan, and came up with two solutions: ‘Aston Martin Aeroblade’ and ‘Curlicue’. The latter is a gill-like vent, incorporated into each front wheel arch lining, which reduces undesirable front-end aerodyamic lift. Cleverly hidden beneath the clamshell bonnet, its smart design results in high-pressure air being vented from the top of the front wheel arches through recessed apertures behind the Aston martin side-strakes. Then further high pressure air from the back of each wheel arch flows into subtle stirrup vents, positioned aft of the front wheels.

The ‘Aston Martin Aeroblade’ harnesses the airflow along the DB11’s flanks, for rear stability. Air intakes in the base of the C-pillars draw airflow into the bodywork, before it’s released from slots in the rear bootlid. When more stability is needed, a small spoiler is automatically deployed from the bootlid, which retracts when it isn’t required anymore.

Weight distribution in the DB11 has been improved

The 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged engine has been placed further back for ideal weight distribution. To decrease the mighty V12’s thirst for petrol, the DB11 makes use of intelligent bank activation. This means that not all cylinders are active when you’re driving in a congested city, for for example – the DB 11 alternates between banks of cylinders. But when you demand power, they all kick in to to blast to a 100 km/hour in only 3.9 seconds. The 5.2-litre engine has a whopping 447 kW and 700 Nm of torque available! The chassis, suspension, electronics and steering have been completely reworked. Driving modes on offer include Sport, Sport Plus and GT mode. The DB11 is equipped with a rear-mounted 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox.

The worlds finest Grand Tourer inside and out

As ‘the world’s finest sporting Grand Tourer’, according to Aston Martin, of course, the DB11’s interior is the pinnacle of craftsmanship and quality, and completely new. Highlights include ‘Nexus quilting’ and ‘Celestial perforation’, and you can even have your signature on the door sill plaques! With interior options such as bookmatched wood veneers, Cuprum carbon fibre and leatherwork with brogue detailing, the Aston Martin DB11 of your dreams is only a few million bucks away. But as with most very exclusive sports cars to come to our country, they’ve already found their forever homes months before. Only 6 units have been allocated to SA, and will be imported by the Daytona Group. Prices have not yet been confirmed.