RE: Aston Martin DB11 V8!

[anonymous-user]

I like this, and would have it over the V12. Even taking into account the small price difference - I can't afford it though..

I think Aston has been brave with design it's not as good looking as the previous models (DB9/S/V8 etc) but it is interesting to look and I even like the 2 colour tone where it could be a bit gimmicky a la Mini/Vx Adam! The interior I could live with too, not the best but not dull like something she costing more. Have I mentioned I can't afford it..?

Wonder what the experts say regarding handling characteristics between the V8 and V12

[pppppppppppppppp]

johnnnnnnyy said:

I'm not too sure myself, as much as I want to like this car (having owned a couple of Astons recently), it seems over designed, swap the badge for a Toyota and it would fit in their current design theme range. Will it stay the test of time, I doubt it. Will it be a classic in years to come, I doubt it. It all seems a bit 'shouty look at me', like wearing a fad designer suit with pointy shoes, rather than sophistication and being a handsome man. Maybe thats what they want now?

I saw the current iteration of AML 1 on the M40 recently. It's stunning. Put it next to a McLaren and it will look understated.

[The Surveyor]

I just don't understand why they have launched this new (to Aston Martin) engine in a budget DB11 rather than in a new Vantage.

All this does is dilute the impact of the new Vantage to be a 'shortened V8 DB11' rather than launching it as another brand new car.

For me, this is a real mistake by Aston Martin.

[W124]

The design really, really works when you actually see one.

[anonymous-user]

The Surveyor said:

I just don't understand why they have launched this new (to Aston Martin) engine in a budget DB11 rather than in a new Vantage.

All this does is dilute the impact of the new Vantage to be a 'shortened V8 DB11' rather than launching it as another brand new car.

For me, this is a real mistake by Aston Martin.

As others have said, this will be to appease those who want the new DB11 in countries with extremely strict emissions laws where the delta between the V8 / V12 will be significantly over the 13k here in the UK.

I am still not sold on the looks, it doesn't have the class of the early vantage or pre 2011 (I think) DB9, too much chintz!

[anonymous-user]

I don't think it makes sense to draw parallels between the AM V12 vs V8 and the Bentley W12 vs V8. The W12 is a compromised design and not anywhere near as nice as a real V12, so going to a V8 is not much of a loss. Basically the Bentley W12 is a poor 12 cylinder engine, assuming the AM V12 isn't rubbish then it'll be a much bigger leap over a V8.

[Shnozz]

W124 said:

The design really, really works when you actually see one.

I disagree. I followed one on the M621 the week before last and thought it looked even more awkward in the metal. To be fair, these photos on the article are the best I have seen the DB11 represented yet.

[RSchneider]

The image problem is probably not thaaat big, with Ferrari and Bentley (and Mercedes) doing the same V12 - V8 thing. It is a bit an el-cheapo version then, but they'll still sell it. The truely bespoke models are others in any case, with the one-offs in coachbuilder tradition making a comeback with some manufacturers. That alone lets the regular mass production vehicles slip a notch down in the nouveau riche pissing contest.

[suffolk009]

hyphen said:

subirg said:

It's still a munter...

Lets hope its a bit ahead of its time and will look great down the line.

I agree with both of you.

That bonnet with the big bulge from the engine set so far forward, and the the flipy front end look just doesn't work (early pre '80s TVR almost got that to work).

Is that interior both blue AND purple?

ETA: Come to think of it the only time Aston have made a really bold ahead of it's time design was that big old barge Lagonda. And that looks futuristic in an 60's optimism, Personal Hovercraft, Baco-foil jumpsuit and protein-pills kindof way.

Edited by suffolk009 on Wednesday 28th June 14:22

[suffolk009]

MrScrot said:

GroundEffect said:

MrScrot said:

FN2TypeR said:

MrScrot said:

Putting an AMG in an Aston Martin does not feel right to me. If you buy an Aston you want it's British heritage.This engine drop nullifies that. I'm sure there are enough engineers in Britain that could produce a competitive, green engine, but marketing and business swines unfortunately stick red tape all over that.

What nonsense

Care to forward an opinion rather than just dismissing stuff?

An engine like the 4.0V8TT Mercedes would have cost in the region of $200M to develop and tool up. Who has that money?

VW got fined billions for their emissions scandal and have survived as a company. These car manufacturers have loads of money. Yes Aston Martin is a smaller company than VW so maybe they don't have the funds to do this.

But by "tooling up" your'e not just setting up for a new engine, you are giving people jobs and livelihoods, which is commendable in itself. Even if this does not make complete business sense you still have a re useable product.

What did Ricardo/McLaren spend on their all new V8? I doubt it was $200m.

[myhandle]

The worst feature is the dreadful Aston Martin lettering just below the Aston Martin badge, dreadful. This was never on the DB11 until now.

[Fetchez la vache]

DB9VolanteDriver said:

You will always feel inadequate when you pull up next to the big boy's version with 50% more cylinders, and a real Aston motor. Massive fail.

I'll never understand this kind of shallow, small dicked comment.

Would a VW golf 1.9d driver feel adequate at the lights next to a r?
Would a Bentley CGT V8 driver feel adequate at the lights next to a W12?

ffs...

[Uncle Ron]

myhandle said:

The worst feature is the dreadful Aston Martin lettering just below the Aston Martin badge, dreadful. This was never on the DB11 until now.

Meh I think it looks quite cool and it'll help with brand awareness in the rest of the world. Nothing a hairdryer wouldn't solve if you REALLY didn't want it!

[Raudus42]

Fetchez la vache said:

DB9VolanteDriver said:

You will always feel inadequate when you pull up next to the big boy's version with 50% more cylinders, and a real Aston motor. Massive fail.

I'll never understand this kind of shallow, small dicked comment.

Would a VW golf 1.9d driver feel adequate at the lights next to a r?
Would a Bentley CGT V8 driver feel adequate at the lights next to a W12?

ffs...

I agree with the cow.

Aston know what they're doing when it comes to offering V8s next to V12s - been doing it for years. I'd wager that when the DB11 Volante comes out, more will be spec'd with the V12, whereas more coupes will be V8s.

DB9VolanteDriver...you're coming at it from a poseurs perspective rather than a driver focused one.

Edit: Also, V8s to me are real Aston engines...I grew up loving the V8 and V8 Vantage of the 70s and 80s. Big burbling muscle car sounding engines.

Edited by Raudus42 on Wednesday 28th June 15:42

Edited by Raudus42 on Wednesday 28th June 16:47

[FourRingedDonuts]

Amanitin said:

E65Ross said:

Seriously? I'm assuming you'd never consider any form of 911 then

i agree with OP. That tinfoil wrap on the piping looks like an aftermarket mod. A very cheap one.

Have you ever seen a racing engine, or aviation/space craft engine? It's called function over form, does it really have to look beautiful?
And the last time I looked Thermo sleeves were not cheap, it's space age tech that works. Tinfoil wrap it isn't.

[AdamV8V]

GroundEffect said:

Remember the V8 in the current V8 Vantage is a Ford engine. And made in Germany, in a Ford facility......

No it's not. And the Cologne engine plant is an Aston Martin facility in a completely separate building, staffed by Aston Martin engineers and technicians. It just happens to be on the same site as the Ford engine plant.

And please don't get me started on the whole "The Aston V12 is just two Mondeo V6's bolted together"...

[The Surveyor]

Trexthedinosaur said:

The Surveyor said:

I just don't understand why they have launched this new (to Aston Martin) engine in a budget DB11 rather than in a new Vantage.

All this does is dilute the impact of the new Vantage to be a 'shortened V8 DB11' rather than launching it as another brand new car.

For me, this is a real mistake by Aston Martin.

As others have said, this will be to appease those who want the new DB11 in countries with extremely strict emissions laws where the delta between the V8 / V12 will be significantly over the 13k here in the UK.

I am still not sold on the looks, it doesn't have the class of the early vantage or pre 2011 (I think) DB9, too much chintz!

Fair enough, but why now? Why not wait until after the new Vantage has launched the new V8? Big fanfare, whole new car, with a new engine etc... instead they'll dribble out a short DB11 V8 which will be just another rung lover on the Aston ladder.

I love the looks of the DB11 as it happens but I jus think they have got the timing wrong with the launch of this new V8 engine.

[BOR]

W124 said:

The design really, really works when you actually see one.

Massively desirable in the metal. One of the best looking Astons I've seen for a while.

[Guvernator]

Excuse my ignorance but what makes it a "hot V"?

The DB11 is A LOT better looking in the flesh, pictures really don't do it justice.

Lastly this V8 will live and die on how it sounds so lets hope that Aston tuning has given it a distinctive one. Can't wait to hear the first sound clips of this.

[erics]

i just don't see the point of this range. They should offer just one engine and be done with it.

They are too close both in specs and price. So much engineering effort for not a lot of difference in the grand scheme of things.

It's just wierd.