Monday 02 / December / 2024
As the most significant Aston Martin introduction since the DB9 in 2003, the DB11 is lighter and stronger with an aluminium structure, making it the most powerful, most efficient DB model in Aston Martin’s history.
Unlike any Aston Martin before it, at the heart of DB11 is a 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12, with a top speed of 200mph and a 0-62mph time of just 3.9sec, and a new in-house designed engine with 600 horsepower and 700Nm of torque, making the DB11 the most powerful DB model ever.
Indicating a new design era for Aston Martin, DB11 provides a balance between graphics innovation and Aston Martin’s classic design. From the front, it has the signature Aston Martin grill, which makes it instantly recognisable. Its distinctive LED headlights and all the surfacing on the hood provides a remarkable design. Along the sides, the DB11 has clean lines with no protruding door handle. Its broad rear hips with the signature Aston Martin tail lights, adds to its unique form.
The DB11 combines the very latest technology with the finest quality and hand craftsmanship. With a full-colour 12inch TFT LCD display, while a second, centrally-mounted 8inch TFT screen is dedicated to infotainment. Controlled via an intuitive rotary control, with an optional touchpad offering character recognition, multi-touch and gesture support.
**media[878199]**
Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer, Dr Andy Palmer said: “We aspire to make the most beautiful cars in the world. DB11 is the absolute embodiment of what an Aston Martin should be and we have worked tirelessly to ensure that DB11 combines both exceptional design with the latest technology throughout. A brand new bonded aluminium platform, clever aerodynamics, a new characterful twin-turbo V12 and class-leading infotainment systems are just a few aspects which make this the sports car that will proudly spearhead Aston Martin’s second-century plan.”
We were able to drive the DB11 around Muscat for a few hours, in order to truly see what it is capable of. We wanted to test how it would drive on the busy roads of Shatti Qurum, and on the long Muscat Expressway from Ruwi to Mabela.
When driving the DB11, you will notice how comfortable and smooth it is, yes it may feel slightly heavy but it is firm which gives it a greater sense of agility. With regards to seat comfort, it may not be very cushiony but it is very well shaped. The seating position is great, it provides an overall view. The technology in the DB11 is quite advanced. The instrument panel is a full virtual panel, it is really easy to read at a glance and it gives you all the important information. The sensors are all over the car and don’t make an annoyingly loud alarm that most sensors nowadays tend to make.
There are multiple driver-selectable dynamic modes — GT, Sport and Sports Plus. The GT default mode is meant to be the most comfortable and honestly it is not bad at all, you do feel bumps on the road but it is not harsh additionally, steering in this mode is light. DB11 in the GT mode is definitely a car you could use every day. Switching to Sports mode will allow you to hear just how powerful the DB11 is. Taking it up another level to the Sports Plus mode and everything lightens up, and the suspension gets a bit harder.
Keep in mind that driving in the GT mode on the highways can at times fool you into thinking you are driving at a normal speed but you may not, so do be careful.
The boot is quite small but it would be enough for a couple. The DB11 contains a newly implement auto-park assist feature and 360-degree birds-eye view camera which help provide safe manoeuvring at slow speeds when reversing.
After spending a few hours in this car, there are a few things that are our favourite points about the DB11. Firstly, the hinge for the door lifts up slightly to avoid scratching any pavements. Secondly, and most importantly, the way it drives is simply sublime, you could drive daily in the GT mode, or if you get a bit bored you could simply switch into the Sport or Sport plus modes. Basically, you could never tire out of this V12.
