After its introduction back 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.
The V8 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 but why would one opt for Aston Martin’s DB11 with a V8 engine when it can be had with a perfectly useful V12? It’s not exactly a problem most people will ever have to face but for the few there’s now a choice of power plants for the beautiful DB11. The new V8 is $50,000 less expensive than the V12 but that’s unlikely to be of concern for those with the ability to drop $300,000 on a car.
There are valid reasons for the car’s existence, however. Along with lowering the entry point price for the DB11, where, in America, it starts at $295,000 before you add the spend-up on options, in countries where car tax is based on engine capacity, the 4.0-litre V8 attracts less of a hit than the 5.2-litre V12. The levy is said to be particularly steep in China, a big market for the Aston. This allows Aston Martin to introduce its new AMG-sourced V8 in its premium GT, prior to it powering the new Vantage. It’s a nice way of warming us up to the idea of German motivation for prime British sportsters.
The V8 in question powers various AMGs, the unique bits for the DB11 include an Aston Martin-engineered air intake, exhaust system and a wet sump lubrication system. Aston Martin also fiddled with the ECU to further modify the engine’s character for use in the DB11. With the V8 program, Aston Martin also took the opportunity to explore the more dynamic side of the DB11’s character. It has revisions to the handling hardware; the spring and damper characteristics are firmer, bushings stiffer, the front end geometry more aggressive and the sway bars more rigid to hone more of a sporting character.
Though down on power, the V8 brings with it a handy weight saving. The DB11 V12 weighs in at 1886kg whereas the V8 came in at 1776kg, a verified 110kg advantage. With the V8 nestled almost entirely aft of the front axle, it blesses the DB11 with a slightly better weight split, and there’s much less mass burdening those front wheels.
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 color and trim options. They can also opt 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.”
