ROAD TEST
Aston Martin DB11 — A grand tourer playing with the cool kids
Aston Martin has entered a new era with a new strategy and the new DB11, writes Mark Smyth
It’s astonishing to think that the Aston Martin DB9 existed for more than 14 years. Actually, since it was first shown in 2003, it is still with us in the form of models like the Vanquish S and as the basis for the Rapide. The climate controls, switchgear and various buttons are also Merc. So is the rotary dial for accessing the infotainment system, although the optional trackpad is not one of Merc’s best points. While Mercedes’ performance AMG division will be providing its expertise under the bonnet of future Astons, the DB11 for now features a hand-built 5.2l V12 Aston engine produced at the company’s engine plant in Cologne, Germany. Purists might be a little alarmed to learn that the traditional days of normally aspirated engines have now given way to turbocharging though. Power The purists need not drop their Martinis in shock, however, because the twin-turbos help to make this the most powerful production DB model in the company’s history, with 447kW at 6,500r/min and 700Nm b...
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