The DB11: The new face of Aston Martin
Aston Martin's latest creation, the DB11, has been called "the most important car in the firm's 103-year existence" by Andy Palmer, the company's chief executive. Launched at the Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland, the four-seat sports GT costs a cool £155,000 ($217,000).
The DB11: The new face of Aston Martin
The brutally powerful V12 petrol engine sits underneath the sweptback bonnet and behind the Aston's trademark radiator grille.
The DB11: The new face of Aston Martin
The DB11 marks an overhaul for Aston Martin. Previous incarnation the DB9 relied on design features that could be traced back to 2003, with an engine that was in essence two Ford V6s bolted together.
The DB11: The new face of Aston Martin
The technology under the hood is indebted to the alliance of sorts with AMG -- the all-new twin-turbocharged V12 was developed with the German performance brand's knowhow.
The DB11: The new face of Aston Martin
The state-of-the-art motor closes down some cylinders when they're not needed to save fuel -- a trick that couldn't even be considered on the DB9's old unit -- but produces 600 HP in full song, enough for a top speed of 200 mph (320 km/h).
The DB11: The new face of Aston Martin
In the chassis, too, there's a small AMG influence but the work is mostly Aston's own engineers'. They've created a scalable platform for this car that will also underpin the next generation of the Vantage, and a new SUV due within a couple of years, called DBX.
The DB11: The new face of Aston Martin
The DB11 draws on a variety of aerodynamic tricks, including what Aston Martin call a "curlicue," a curve beyond the front wheels, and an "Aeroblade," an air channel beyond the door that ends below the boot lid, both creating downforce to keep the car firmly planted around corners.
The DB11: The new face of Aston Martin
Mercedes influences reveal themselves inside too, which a new infotainment system to rival the likes of Ferrari and McLaren. Double-stitched leather upholstery can be personalized, with a wider gamut of options than the current flagship the Vanquish.
