The DB11 from Aston Martin is the first model to take the Mercedes-AMG V8 engine.

• DB11 now available with choice of twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 or 5.2-litre V12 engines
• New V8 delivers 503bhp and 675Nm with a CO2 figure of 230g/km1

After its successful global introduction in 2016, Aston Martin’s definitive GT - the acclaimed DB11 - is now available with a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine. Perfectly complementing the DB11’s existing 5.2-litre twin turbocharged V12 engine, this new powerplant has provided the opportunity to reveal more of the DB11’s sporting character, while expanding its global appeal with a combination of exceptional performance and improved efficiency.

Producing 510PS (503BHP) and 675Nm of torque, the V8 engine’s potency is beyond question, propelling the DB11 from 0-62mph in just 4.0sec and on to a top speed of 187mph. This exceptional performance is matched by impressive efficiency: CO2 emissions of 230g/km1 and an EU Combined fuel economy figure of 28.5mpg1. This new V8 derivative brings further significant benefits in markets where car taxation policy is structured around engine capacity, such as China.

Aston Martin Chief Technical Officer, Max Szwaj, commented: “As an engineer I find the DB11 a fascinating car. One with great depth of character and ability. Of course the V12-engined variant is an icon - an ultimate, if you like, but the V8 is very much its own car. 

One with a distinct and carefully crafted character that’s truly seductive. It has been hugely rewarding to put our stamp on this new engine - both in the way it sounds and performs - and to use its impressive attributes as the impetus to reveal a little more of the DB11’s sporting character.

“To be able to offer not one, but two exceptional GT cars is terrific for Aston Martin and our customers. I’m particularly proud that this car is the first to receive an engine supplied by our technical partner, Mercedes-AMG. Not least because thanks to the nature of our relationship with AMG we have been given complete freedom to tailor this exceptional power unit so that it meets the particular needs and demands of an Aston Martin.”

The inherent qualities of this light, compact and characterful power unit make it the ideal choice to sit alongside the existing V12 engine. Aston Martin’s engineering team has tailored the V8 engine perfectly for its application in the DB11 with bespoke air intake, exhaust and wet sump lubrication systems.

Electronic calibration of the V8 engine has included creating new ECU software and reprogramming the engine and throttle mapping to ensure it possesses the all-important feel and sound for which Aston Martins are renowned.

With its rich reserves of effortless performance, the V12-engined DB11 already fulfills the role of consummate high-performance luxury Grand Tourer. This provided the ideal opportunity to explore the more dynamic side of the DB11’s character and capabilities with the V8-engine option.

To this end Aston Martin engineers designed new engine mounts, which together with the bespoke, slimline wet sump system enables the V8 to be mounted as low as possible for an optimised centre-of-gravity. The V8 engine is also lighter and more compact than the V12, which contributes to a saving of 115kg and a kerbweight of 1760kg.

With more of that mass centred within the wheelbase, the V8-engined DB11 has an increased sense of agility - a quality that has been fully exploited with detailed revisions to the suspension bushing, geometry, anti-roll bars, springs, dampers and ESP software. By carefully crafting its dynamic character to be distinct from that of the V12, the V8 appeals to those customers drawn to a refined and comfortable GT with a more sporting bias.

There are subtle visual differences between the two variants that include a unique alloy wheel finish, dark headlamp bezels and a pair of bonnet vents instead of the quartet featured on the V12. These vents come in a choice of black or titanium-finish mesh, again different from that fitted to the twelve-cylinder variant.

Inside, both V8 and V12 customers have the same standard equipment levels and the same extensive choice of colour and trim options. They can also elect to enhance the specification of their car via the same Option Packs and Designer Specification packages, plus a suite of Q by Aston Martin - Collection options.

Aston Martin President and CEO, Dr Andy Palmer said of the V8-engined DB11: “The DB11 is the most complete and sophisticated car Aston Martin has ever made. 

Now, with this new V8 engine option we have broadened its appeal by offering a car that will bring the DB11 to more customers around the world while still blessed with the exceptional performance and memorable character that sets Aston Martin apart from its rivals. 

Having driven the car during its development phase, it is not just the engine that has changed the character of the car, but also the resulting dynamic changes to create a remarkable GT car with its own distinct personality from the V12.”

The V8-powered DB11 is on sale now with a recommended retail price from £144.900 in the UK, €184,000 in Germany and $198,995 in the US. Deliveries will commence in Qtr 4 2017. The new V8-powered DB11 will make its dynamic debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, this weekend.

1. Predicted figure

AUTOCAR GAME CHANGER - The Aston Martin DB11 takes an award at this years ceremony.

Aston Martin has claimed top honours at this year’s prestigious Autocar Awards, taking home the ‘Game Changer’ award with its bold new addition to the illustrious ‘DB’ bloodline, the DB11.

The award, which celebrates cars that bring new, higher standards to their classes, or defy convention in a way that brings benefit to buyers, cements the importance of DB11 to the brand’s Second Century Plan; the British marque’s ambitious challenge of launching seven key new products in the same number of years.

The DB11 showcases a fresh and distinctive design language, pioneering aerodynamics and powered by a new 600-BHP 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 and the Autocar judging panel recognised the company’s achievement with this award.

Mark Tisshaw, Editor of Autocar said, “The DB11 is as comfortable as new Aston GT cars will get, but what’s just as important as how excellent it is, is what it’s made of: it is the first in a new-generation of aluminium platforms that is more advanced yet just as flexible as the previous architecture from a production perspective. There’s a new factory in Wales, too, which will supplement production at Aston’s base in Gaydon. While there’s exciting plans all round for the company, it’s the DB11 we’ll remember as the car that started its new era, earning it one of this year’s ‘Game Changer’ awards”.

Andy Palmer, Aston Martin President & Chief Executive Officer said, “We are honoured that Autocar recognises the strides that we have made with the Aston Martin DB11. This is just the start of our second century plan, but this model already begins to redefine who we are. We will continue to pursue the same levels of quality, performance and pioneering excellence as we have done with DB11 and we look forward to the launch of many more exciting new models in the coming years”.

Aston Martin DB11 pricing starts from £157,900 RRP in the UK.

USA - Audi of America drops the top on the storming R8 V10 to make a beautiful Spyder.

• The R8 V10 Spyder merges impressive performance with the allure of open-top driving; roof opens or closes in 20 seconds at speeds of up to 31 mph
• The open-top performance sports car sprints from 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds, same as the R8 V10 Coupe, and reaches a top speed of 198 mph
• Utilizing the same naturally aspirated V10 engine as the Spyder, three Audi R8 LMS GT3 cars kick-off the 2017 IMSA race season at the Rolex 24 at Daytona

Offering the breathtaking performance, precise handling and driver focused-interior of the R8 V10 Coupe combined with the allure of open-top driving, Audi of America drops the top on the second generation R8 V10 Spyder. 

With 540 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque, the 2017 R8 Spyder is faster and more powerful than its predecessor, delivering an even more thrilling driving experience.

The R8 Spyder features the same naturally-aspirated 5.2-liter V10 engine and seven-speed S-tronic® dual-clutch transmission as the R8 V10 Coupe. 

The lightweight cloth roof, which is complemented by the added lower sideblade, combine perfectly with the Spyder’s strikingly athletic design. Its strong backbone is the newly developed ASF® aluminum and carbon fiber construction. 

Like its predecessors, the interior pays homage to the shape of a racecar cockpit, with driver-oriented, easy-to-operate controls and functions, including the fully digital Audi virtual cockpit.

Strong motorsport DNA

Each generation of the R8 brings to the road know-how acquired on the racetrack and from the legacy of Audi endurance racing. Like the R8 V10 Coupe, the Spyder shares a foundation with the R8 LMS GT3 racecar. 

As a result of this close cooperation between racing engineers, racing drivers and developers, the R8 Spyder made significant performance gains over its predecessor.

Top down driving experience

The soft-top in the new R8 Spyder features an electrohydraulic drive system to raise and lower the roof in only 20 seconds, at speeds of up to 31 mph. 

The roof was developed with lightweight construction in mind, and weighs only 97 pounds, helping to keep the weight of the vehicle and center of gravity low. It can easily be opened or closed by operating the soft-top button in the center console.

When opened, the soft top folds into a flat storage compartment over the engine. With the top up, the rear window blocks the wind, or can be opened to allow the rich sound of the naturally aspirated V10 engine to flow into the vehicle cockpit.

Lightweight construction

The new R8 Spyder embodies the brand’s expertise in lightweight design through an all-new application of the iconic ASF® lightweight chassis and the use of a high percentage of carbon fiber materials. 

Comprising 80 percent of the ASF, the aluminum components form a lattice structure that engineers used in order to incorporate specific reinforcements into the sills, A-posts and windshield frame. 

As a result, the all-new Spyder is more than 50 percent stiffer than its predecessor, allowing for a more dynamic, solid and visceral driving experience.

Powertrain and Performance

The R8 V10 Spyder with 5.2-liter engine and seven-speed S-tronic® dual-clutch transmission delivers 540 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque. With its precise throttle response and free-revving ability all the way up to 8,700 rpm, the R8 V10 Spyder rapidly accelerates from 0-60 mph in only 3.5 seconds, one tenth of a second faster than the previous generation R8 V10 Spyder.

The S tronic dual-clutch transmission not only focuses on high levels of performance and acceleration and is fully integrated with the Audi drive select system. 

Additionally, the new transmission allows for a launch control program that provides a heightened level of acceleration through precise engine speed and an automated clutch release.

Chassis and Suspension

Similar to a racecar, the new R8 Spyder uses a double-wishbone design for both the front and rear suspension systems. The suspension weight is kept low through the use of forged aluminum control arms, while local dynamic rigidity has been enhanced by connecting the control arms directly to the ASF.

Available on 2017 R8 Spyder is dynamic steering, which offers a variable steering ratio that adjusts based on vehicle speed and the Audi drive select setting. At higher driving speeds, a less direct steering ratio helps to facilitate a more stable drive, and at lower driving speeds, a more direct steering ratio is utilized to help increase steering response for easier maneuvering.

The all-new R8 Spyder also features a completely unique application of the quattro® system. By default, the majority of torque is transmitted to the rear wheels, however, given certain driving conditions, the Spyder has the ability to send up to 100 percent of all available torque to the front axle. This is made possible by new technologies such as the electronically controlled hydraulic multi-plate clutch on the front axle, torque vectoring, and quattro integration within the Audi drive select system.

High Performance Design

The exterior design of the new R8 Spyder is more strikingly athletic than its predecessor. The cockpit is positioned very far forward and prominent wheel arches are a cue to the quattro all-wheel drive. 

Dimensions have increased more than an inch in width but decreased in length, further emphasizing the flat, wide and muscular characteristics of the vehicle. For the first time on the Spyder, the strong shoulder line is now complemented by retaining the lower sideblade. 

Trapezoidal exhaust outlets highlight the distinctive rear and added ventilation across the deck lid replaces the adaptive rear spoiler and helps to improve engine cooling.

Similar to the R8 V10 Coupe, the interior is defined by the monoposto, the large arc that pays homage to the shape of a racecar cockpit, with driver-oriented, easy-to-operate controls and functions. 

Behind the wheel is the Audi Virtual cockpit, which replaces the classic instrument panel and instead features a large, high-resolution 12.3-inch display, delivering vibrant color at 60 frames per second.

Additional design highlights include:

• Singleframe® grille with three dimensional honeycomb design and Anthracite Gray finish
• Full LED headlights with LED daytime running lights and LED taillights with dynamic turn signals
• Standard 19” 5-V-spoke design cast aluminum wheels in silver finish
• Heated 18-way power sport seats including four-way power lumbar, pneumatic leg and side bolster adjustments
• Three-spoke multifunction flat-bottom sport steering wheel with shift paddles and two steering wheel-mounted satellite buttons (engine Start/Stop and Audi drive select)
• Standard Bang & Olufsen® Sound System featuring 13 speakers (including integrated headrest speakers) produce 550 watts of pure, crisp sound
• MMI® touch with handwriting-recognition technology

Also available for the first time on the all-new Spyder is Audi connect®, offering infotainment features such as 4G LTE connectivity, destination entry via myAudi, travel information, Internet radio and a Wi-Fi® hotspot for passenger use. Also, with available Audi connect, Google Earth™ satellite maps appear across the entire virtual cockpit allowing the driver to better navigate each turn in the road or the track ahead

Pricing Detail

Model year 2017 R8 starting manufacturer suggested retail prices:

MODEL	Starting MSRP
R8 V10 Spyder	$ 175,100

*Prices above exclude destination charge ($1,250), taxes, title, options, and dealer charges.

Audi R8 LMS race teams kick-off 2017 season at the Rolex 24 at Daytona

Coming off of a historic 2016 season, the all-new Audi R8 LMS won its US debut at the 2016 Rolex 24 at Daytona, as well as clinched the Manufacturers championships in GTD for both NAEC and WeatherTech. 

Utilizing the same naturally aspirated V10 engine as the Spyder, the Audi R8 LMS returns to the prestigious Rolex 24 at Daytona to defend its title with 3 cars from Stevenson Motorsports, Alex Job Racing and Land Motorsports.

Television coverage of 2017 WeatherTech Championship season kicks off with the 55th Rolex 24 at Daytona beginning on Saturday, January 28th at 2 p.m. ET on FOX. Television coverage in Canada will mirror the U.S. schedule on FOX Sports Racing and will also offer live streaming on IMSA.tv and the IMSA mobile app.

Date	Event/Venue	Channel	Times (ET)
Jan. 28-29	Rolex 24 at Daytona	FOX	2 PM – 5 PM
	Daytona International Speedway	FSGO*	2 PM Sat. – 3 PM Sun.
	Daytona Beach, Florida	FS2	5 PM – 10 PM
		FS2	11 PM Sat. – 12:30 PM Sun.
		FS2	12:30 PM – 3 PM

*– FOX Sports GO with FS1 authentication

For more information, please visit www.audiusa.com/models/audi-r8-spyder.

Always pay careful attention to the road, and do not drive while distracted.

2017 EPA estimates not available at time of publication. See www.fueleconomy.gov for updated information. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors including your driving habits and vehicle condition.

Top track speed electronically limited in U.S. Obey all speed and traffic laws.

Audi connect should only be used when it is safe and appropriate. Audi connect services and features are optional, provided with the support of authorized affiliated and third party service providers, and may require additional subscriptions with separate terms and conditions. Services are subject to change, and Google Earth and Street view services may not be available after December 2017.  Certain services collect location information, see Terms of Service for information about how to disable and for other details.