A new chapter in Aston Martin’s history began at the Geneva Motor Show with the unveiling of the DB11. The first product launched under the company’s ‘Second Century’ plan, DB11 is the bold new figurehead of the illustrious ‘DB’ bloodline and an authentic, dynamic sporting GT in the finest Aston Martin tradition.

The DB11 is the tenth car (there was no DB8) in a lineage that began in 1948 with the DB1 – the first car to bear the initials of then owner, David Brown. Just 15 DB1s were made, but the DB line has been the most successful model for Aston Martin over the years, including such cars as the DB5 and DB7 as well as the 2003 DB9, which was the last all-new Aston Martin.

The DB11 showcases a clean-sheet approach from design director Marek Reichman. Built upon a new lighter, stronger, and more space efficient bonded aluminum structure, the DB11 is the most powerful and more importantly most efficient DB model in Aston Martin’s history. This DB11 is constructed with a new aluminum bodyshell, suspension, cabin, and a Mercedes-Benz-based electronic architecture, which runs the systems.

Like every Aston Martin, the heart of the DB11 is found beneath the bonnet, though unlike any Aston Martin before it, the DB11’s heart is a 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12. Designed in-house this new engine develops 600BHP and 516 lb.-ft. of torque, making DB11 the most powerful production DB model ever. As a result it is the quickest too with a top speed of 200mph1 and a 0-62mph time of just 3.9sec.

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 aluminum 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.”

Heralding a new design era for Aston Martin, DB11 re-imagines the relationship between form and function with a series of fresh design signatures. Foremost amongst these is the front-hinging clamshell bonnet, distinctive LED headlights and accentuated lines of the iconic Aston Martin grille. The profile is equally dramatic, thanks to the roof strakes that flow uninterrupted from A-pillar to C-pillar. The clean lines continue at the rear, with a sloping decklid that smoothly blends into boldly sculpted tail-lights to create a new and unmistakable graphic.

Front-end lift is reduced by the gill-like Curlicue which releases high-pressure air from inside the wheel arch via a concealed vent within the redesigned side-strake. Meanwhile, rear-end lift is reduced by the Aston Martin AeroBlade; a virtual spoiler fed by discreet air intakes located at the base of each C-pillar. Air is ducted through the bodywork, before venting as a jet of air from the aperture in the rear decklid.

Aston Martin claims the DB11 is a genuine 2+2, with a trunk that’s large enough to accommodate a full set of luggage and increased head and legroom in the rear. Amazingly, you get ISOFIX mounting points for a pair of child seats in the back, so there’s no need to trade the Aston in for a Minivan just because you are expecting twins.

It goes on sale this autumn and will cost $211,995 in the US and first deliveries of the DB11 car are scheduled to begin during the fourth quarter of 2016.

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