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.

Harrods of Knightsbridge and Aston Martin, the best of both in one window display.

Shoppers in London’s Knightsbridge are to be treated to the sight of a very special Aston Martin window display consisting of a DB11, V12 Vantage S and Vanquish S in iconic British store, Harrods.

The three stunning Aston Martin sports cars will take over the storefront of the world’s most famous luxury department store in a month-long celebration of the British Heritage of Aston Martin.

The DB11, the first product launched under the company’s ‘Second Century’ plan, is the bold new figurehead of the illustrious ‘DB’ bloodline and an authentic, dynamic sporting GT in the finest Aston Martin tradition.

Also on display, the Aston Martin V12 Vantage S, the aggressively styled V12 Vantage is an unprecedented engineering achievement. Combining a V12 engine with the luxury marques lightest sports-car in a package of pure aggression, creating Aston Martins most visceral driving experience.

The brand new Vanquish S, the ultimate Super GT completes the display. With sharper styling, greater potency and increased athleticism defining this latest evolution of the renowned Vanquish model line.

Finished in red, white and blue paint finishes from the exquisite Aston Martin paint pallet, celebrates the British theme with the sports cars incorporating the colours of the renowned Union Jack.

Aston Martin Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman said: “Harrods is one of the world’s most trusted luxury brands and we are delighted to join forces with them to create this unique display.”

Specialists from Aston Martin headquarters will be available throughout the exhibition, providing visitors with an opportunity to discover more about the Aston Martin product range. Both the window display and exhibition area will remain in place until 25^th March 2017.

GENEVA - Aston Martin will have three debuts at this years Geneva Extravaganza.

• Global motor show debut of Vanquish S
• European show debut of AM-RB 001 hypercar
• Q by Aston Martin personalisation service now available for DB11
• Q by Aston Martin now provides multi-tiered offering

Aston Martin marks the 87th Geneva international Motor Show with a significant trio of major debuts.

In addition to being the global motor show debut of the acclaimed new Vanquish S – the most powerful and dynamic iteration of Aston Martin's Super GT – the British luxury brand is  also proud to announce the European show debut of the AM-RB 001. 

This ongoing collaboration between Aston Martin and Red Bull Advanced Technologies, the AM-RB 001 is a thrilling demonstration of technological innovation and design sophistication, resulting in a truly contemporary hypercar.

Finally, Aston Martin will be showcasing the marque’s enhanced Q by Aston Martin bespoke service with the unveiling of ‘Q by Aston Martin – Collection’ at Geneva. Aston Martin is pleased to announce a new era of tailor-made sports cars with the expansion of its personalisation service. 

Q by Aston Martin has evolved into a multi-tiered offering, giving customers almost limitless opportunities to create their own unique Aston Martin through enhanced levels of design and customer interaction.

Q by Aston Martin has grown substantially since it was established in 2012. 'We set strong foundations for the service and we've had continued success,' says Marek Reichman, Aston Martin’s Chief Creative Officer, 'now we have the opportunity to work with our customers and take personalisation to a different level.'

Q by Aston Martin - Collection

The Q by Aston Martin - Collection brings an array of distinctive design touches to your Aston Martin. This selection of exclusive trim and enhancements can be added to your Aston Martin at the point of specification and installed and hand-finished at the luxury marque’s Gaydon headquarters. 

Going above and beyond the standard options list, Collection includes exclusive paint and upholstery colours, material finishes and craft elements. These range from a unique leather quilt upholstery pattern to tinted wheel finishes that incorporate body-coloured blades to the diamond turned spokes, as well as the use of new wood and leather interior elements.

DB11 Q by Aston Martin

The range and breadth of the new Q by Aston Martin - Collection is demonstrated by the exclusive DB11 showcased at the upcoming 2017 Geneva Motor Show. DB11   Q by Aston Martin is finished with exclusive Zaffre Blue paint, paired with gloss, satin twill and forged carbon fibre details including - front splitter, side sills, rear diffuser side strakes, bonnet strakes and door mirrors. 

Inside, the upper and lower cabin environments are cloaked in swathes of Obsidian Black Semi-Aniline leather, with the Q by Aston Martin Logo embossed on the headrest. While carbon fibre wheel centres and engine cover add subtle touches. The colour matched four-piece luggage set is also available through Collection.

Q by Aston Martin - Commission

The second stage of Aston Martin's enhanced offering is ‘Q by Aston Martin – Commission’, a step into the world of the truly bespoke, individual sports car. Commission is exactly that, a process that starts with a conversation and ends with a car, a journey that involves a personal collaboration with Aston Martin's design team. 

'It's a commissioning process,' says Dr Matthew Bennett, General Manager for the Q by Aston Martin service 'the customer is working much more closely with us here at Gaydon. The only limit is your imagination – every new commission starts with a blank sheet of paper.' 

Aston Martin's global dealership network is also working closely with Commission to create ultra-limited run series with features and design elements that are distinct to their regions and customers. 

Q by Aston Martin - Commission can also go further. The ultimate commission is, of course, an entirely unique car. Aston Martin has a long and storied history of building individual cars, working alongside true enthusiasts who wish to see their vision translated into something never seen before. 

Q by Aston Martin is perfectly placed to realise these dreams. 'You're talking about the fundamentals of how a car comes together,' Dr Bennett says, 'there is as much reward in the interaction with Aston Martin as there is in the final car. It is a journey.'

Marek Reichman describes Commission as 'fulfilling a creative need – we're experts providing a consultation, like a Savile Row tailor or a yacht builder.' The collaboration with Q by Aston Martin can begin at the company’s headquarters, your dealership or at Aston Martin's dedicated brand centre, No. 8 Dover Street, where the Q by Aston Martin options will be on display. 'In terms of material choices we now have so much,' says Reichman, 'we now have materials that show patina as customers want that sense of age and history. For us, that's beautiful.'

Examples of previous commissions by Q by Aston Martin include the CC-100 Speedster Concept created for the company’s centenary in 2013 and the Vantage GT12 Roadster, a one-off open-top version of the extreme 600PS race-bred Vantage GT12 Coupe. Only Q by Aston Martin - Commission has the experience, expertise and skill to translate such innovative forms into beautiful reality.

'The Vantage GT12 Roadster was a hugely exciting project,' says Aston Martin's President and CEO Dr Andy Palmer, 'it was a vivid demonstration of Q by Aston Martin’s capabilities. We have a truly formidable creative team, from engineering to design. With Commission our customers have the potential to create some of the most iconic and legendary Aston Martins of the future.'

An Aston Martin should be a reflection of the things you hold closest to your heart. Customisation and innovation come together through Q by Aston Martin, providing the opportunity to create a truly tailor-made automobile.

Aston Martin moves into it's second century with a massive investment in new plant and models.

2016 has been an exceptional year for Aston Martin, with the announcement of Vantage GT8, Vanquish Zagato, Vanquish S and the remarkable AM-RB 001 along with the news that the company’s second UK manufacturing facility will open in St Athan in Wales.

The most significant achievement for the British luxury carmaker was the launch of the highly anticipated DB11 which has received rave reviews since its launch at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

Hand-built at the company’s sports car production plant and headquarters, in Gaydon, Warwickshire, production of the DB11 commenced in September, with 1,019 now having come off the production line. 

Aston Martin President and CEO, Dr Andy Palmer, who will personally assure the quality by inspecting the first 1,000 cars, said: “With the launch of the new DB11, we are on course to deliver a GREAT British car company dedicated to making the most beautiful automotive art in the world.  Having inspected 700 cars to date, the quality of the cars leaving the factory is excellent.

“As we head into the holiday season, I want to thank everyone for their support during 2016 and we look forward to 2017 and the exciting times ahead.”

The new DB11 is the first in a line of seven new models to be launched over the next seven years, in line with the company’s ‘Second Century Plan’, which takes the 103-year-old company into its next century of operation

New ‘Ultimate Drive’ experiences lead impressive collection for 2017 For Aston Martin owners old and new.

• New ‘Ultimate Drive’ experiences lead impressive collection for 2017
• New portfolio includes trips-of-a-lifetime and the return of the ‘On Tour’ series
• Aston Martin Art of Living provides access to the ultimate in luxury lifestyle

Aston Martin today revealed a portfolio of experiences to be offered in 2017 by the British luxury brand’s Art of Living by Aston Martin programme, which takes customers beyond sports cars and provides them with the opportunity to live the brand’s lifestyle.

Ultimate Drives

Headlining the collection of experiences are two new Ultimate Drives. The first will see guests embark on an adventure spanning two continents in three weeks; their journey taking in South Africa, Monaco, Austria, Lake Como and Vienna, including challenging drives and helicopter rides, gourmet dining and undiscovered city sightseeing. 

For thrill seekers an adrenalin-fuelled Ultimate Drive will provide unprecedented access to some of the world’s top motor races: 24 Hours of Le Mans, Goodwood Festival of Speed, and an experience with our Innovation Partners, Red Bull Racing at their home race in Austria. 

Aston Martin Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman commented: “It is exciting to see the Aston Martin’s Art of Living team has curated such an incredible collection of experiences for 2017. 

I’m particularly impressed with the content of the new Ultimate Drives, which truly are once-in-a-lifetime journeys. Anyone attending these experiences will get to indulge in the soul of the brand.

On-Tour

The “On Tour” experiences provides the opportunity to drive an Aston Martin sports car along some of the world’s most breathtaking driving routes. A five-day tour of California will take guests from the Golden Gate Bridge to the beautiful Big Sur before heading onto Santa Barbara, Palm Springs and Joshua Tree. For those who prefer the East coast there will be a tour of New York that takes in the Hamptons along the way. In Europe, you can choose from a journey along the Atlantic Ocean Highway in Norway, which is world renowned for its beauty, or a tour of Bavaria in Germany or a drive from Madrid to Bilbao in Spain, taking in exquisite hotels along the way.

Trips-of-a-Lifetime

Those seeking a holiday with a difference are invited to experience Cuba the Aston Martin way.  The trip-of-a-lifetime to Havana will take in a visit to the Buena Vista Social Club, where guests can meet one of the original group members before being invited to record their own Cuban sounds. A tour of Havana in 1950s cars will provide guests with a great view of the city and the trip will be completed with cigar and mojito making classes. To indulge in a very different culture, the Art of Living by Aston Martin will also offer a Japanese experience. Guests will take in the galleries and gastronomy of Tokyo before travelling on the Bullet Train to Kyoto where they will experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony performed by Geishas.

Ice Driving

For those looking for exhilarating experiences, Aston Martin knows the answer is Ice Driving. In 2017, the programme invites the daring to enjoy the thrill of ice driving in destinations including New Zealand, the U.S.A and Finland. A special experience in Courmayeur, Italy will also combine ice driving with the ultimate ski race.

Motor Sport

This unique collection provides exclusive behind-the-scenes access to some of the world’s most prestigious races including Monaco and Silverstone, and a day with our Innovation Partners, Red Bull Racing, which will give guests a unique insight into preparations made when they take their 2017 challenger to the track for the first time at pre-season testing in Barcelona. The highlight of the summer season will be the Le Mans 24 Hours where guests will enjoy exclusive access to the factory Aston Martin Racing team.

Design Materclasses and dinner series

A new offering for 2017 is the exclusive Design Masterclass, which offers the opportunity to learn about the meticulous processes and high level of attention to detail involved in producing an Aston Martin. Hosted by Aston Martin’s experts, guests will be able to enjoy live sketching, clay modelling, and leather trimming first hand to understand the finesse and craftsmanship of these techniques.

Finally, a series of fine dining evenings, hosted by well-known artists and designers will provide a taste of luxury while a tour of the home of Aston Martin will provide a fascinating insight into one of the world’s most aspirational brands.