V8 Twin turbo DB11

[SS972]

Sublime choices: DB11 now offered with V8 engine

Published: Jun 27, 2017



28 June 2017, Gaydon: 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.

> Discover DB11: www.astonmartin.com/DB11

Edited by SS972 on Wednesday 28th June 02:07

[RobDown]

115kg less weight over the nose is going to make a big difference

[JohnG1]

So, 503bhp...

AMG can extract 360bhp from the two litre four cylinder engine in the A43 AMG. On record their staff say that the "hot V" is basically two of those joined together. So, theoretical output of this V8 would top out around 720bhp.

Wonder if AML could get that from the 5.2 V12 within their budget and to a decent reliability standard?

To corrupt the old saying "V12 for show, V8 for go"

[Beefmeister]

Only £13k less than the V12. Sure it'll be more dynamic but that delta speaks volumes to me - it's really designed for bigger sales in China and other places with the 4.0 tax thing.

[M5MarkM]

Not sure " this new powerplant has provided the opportunity to reveal more of the DB11’s sporting character" is right when it has less power.....
Guess it's the same engine AMG use across the range. I had an AMG GTS with this engine in for a few months, it wasn't too bad. Nothing like a n/a V12 though.... let's hope it helps the brand make some money!

[George29]

JohnG1 said:

So, 503bhp...

AMG can extract 360bhp from the two litre four cylinder engine in the A43 AMG. On record their staff say that the "hot V" is basically two of those joined together. So, theoretical output of this V8 would top out around 720bhp.

Wonder if AML could get that from the 5.2 V12 within their budget and to a decent reliability standard?

To corrupt the old saying "V12 for show, V8 for go"

The A45 actually puts out 380bhp from a 2 litre engine which is impressive. The new E63S which uses the 4 litre engine puts out 610bhp. They could have easily matched that but then who would buy the V12?

[dbs2000]

It'd be interesting to drive the V12 and V8 back to back. I've not seen a bad review of the DB11 so I hope that continues. 144k starting with the CO2 and MPG figures for a DB11 is great, I've not checked company car tax brackets for years but would it also open this up to business folk at all?

[steveway]

I had 555bhp from 2.0l Mitsubishi evo

[Jon39]

with bespoke air intake, exhaust and wet sump lubrication systems.

A good job our American friends are still asleep.
Speedraser will be very sad when he wakes to this news.


and
Why would AM change the Mercedes dry sump engine, to an everyday wet sump?

Edited by Jon39 on Wednesday 28th June 08:33

[RobDown]

I had heard talk (from a visit to the factory) that the V12 Biturbo could theoretically go out to 800bhp

Roll on the DB11 S

[HBradley]

503bhp from a car that weighs 1765kg. It will be very interesting to see what they can do with one weighing 1600kg?

[RobDown]

Yes, new Vantage is going to be able to shift assuming they give it the same 500hp

[IanV12VR]

RobDown said:

I had heard talk (from a visit to the factory) that the V12 Biturbo could theoretically go out to 800bhp

Roll on the DB11 S

I would have thought that would make a good engine for the new Vanquish.

[Beefmeister]

Liking the new lettering on the rear...

[George29]

RobDown said:

Yes, new Vantage is going to be able to shift assuming they give it the same 500hp

Would make a C63S with the same power / pretty much the same engine look good value though

[HBradley]

George29 said:

RobDown said:

Yes, new Vantage is going to be able to shift assuming they give it the same 500hp

Would make a C63S with the same power / pretty much the same engine look good value though

Probably, but that wouldn't be an Aston Martin.

[mattf93]

I just checked with DMS (the ecu remap people) and with the GTS they can easily change power output from 510 bhp and 480 lb ft
to 560bhp and 590lb ft. I think the latter part will be the thing you most notice. Am assured that it makes no difference to internals etc
and I am sure with a few internal changes as with E63s it will go much further.

I have driven the V12 DB11 and for a DB9 replacement (looks and NA Noise aside) its a much more approachable GT car with a far better ride than the outgoing car. Would be interesting to see how much more dynamic the V8 feels as lighter on the front end and revs quite well.
Hoping the sound will be very Aston and slightly less AMG but we will see.

[George29]

HBradley said:

Probably, but that wouldn't be an Aston Martin.

True, but on paper at least the two are comparable.

[Beefmeister]

HBradley said:

George29 said:

RobDown said:

Yes, new Vantage is going to be able to shift assuming they give it the same 500hp

Would make a C63S with the same power / pretty much the same engine look good value though

Probably, but that wouldn't be an Aston Martin.

The real comparison will be with the AMG GTS. Same engine, same tune, likely to be a similar price to the new Vantage too at £113k.

Both GT/sports cars, 2 seaters, same engine etc. But the key could be that the Vantage might be offered with a manual gearbox...

[JohnG1]

RobDown said:

I had heard talk (from a visit to the factory) that the V12 Biturbo could theoretically go out to 800bhp

Roll on the DB11 S

I'd love to see that pass emissions and reliability testing. But my point is that AML don't (yet) have the budget to do proper EU 6 high specific output drivetrain development. Hence outsourcing to AMG.

But, if (thanks George) they can get 2x380bhp from the V8 then why bother?