Aston Martin DB11 Now With A Twin-Turbo V8 Engine From Mercedes-AMG

Following its global introduction in 2016, Aston Martin has announced that the DB11 will now be offered with an AMG-sourced 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, complementing the DB11’s existing 5.2-liter twin turbocharged V12 engine.

Producing 503bhp and 695Nm of torque, the V8 engine’s potency is beyond question, propelling the DB11 from 0-100 km/h in just 4.0 seconds and on to a top speed of 301km/h.

The V8-powered DB11 is the first Aston Martin to receive an engine supplied by Mercedes-AMG. The inherent qualities of this light and compact  power unit make it the ideal choice to sit alongside the existing V12 engine. Aston Martin’s engineering team has been entirely responsible for the engine’s installation, tailoring it perfectly for its application in the DB11 with bespoke air intake, exhaust and wet sump lubrication systems.

Aston Martin has also been responsible for the electronic calibration of the V8 engine, 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 253lb (114 kg) and a kerbweight of 3880lb (1,860 kg).

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.

In terms of its overall looks, 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.