Aston Martin unveils V8-powered DB11

It may not have 12 cylinders like most Aston Martins, but eight pistons pumping furiously are enough to leave you shaken (but not stirred).

Aston Martin Manila has taken the wraps off the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 DB11, which now slots below its 5.2-liter twin-turbo V12-powered sibling.

 Marc Tagle, Chairman and President of Aston Martin Manila, said, “With the offering of the V8 engine on the DB11, I am confident that we will broaden the appeal and draw more customers to our brand. We are looking forward to seeing more of our favorite GT on the streets of the Philippines. Our customers will enjoy the invigorating drive experience this sporty model can offer in our vibrant country.”

Producing 510ps and 675Nm of torque, the V8 propels the DB11 from 0-100 km/h in just four seconds and on to a breathtaking top speed of 300 km/h.  The inherent qualities of this light, compact and characterful V8 make it the ideal choice to sit alongside the existing V12 engine. Aston Martin’s engineering team has tailored the V8 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 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 optimized center of gravity. The V8 engine is also lighter and more compact than the V12, which contributes to a weight saving of 115kg (even if the car still tips the scales at almost two tons, at 1760kg). 

With more of that mass centered 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 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 12-cylinder variant.

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.”

The same standard equipment level and extensive palette of color and trim options are offered on both variants of the beautiful DB11. Customers can also commission and tailor their very own Aston Martin with the marque’s Q by Aston Martin: Collection and Commission services.

Patrik Nilsson, President of Aston Martin Asia Pacific, commented: “We are thrilled to unveil the V8-powered DB11 in Manila. The Philippines was our strongest market last year in the Southeast Asia region, and we expect continuing growth in demand for DB11, particularly with the arrival of the V8-powered model.  It is clear that the Philippines market has a strong affinity with our brand.”

Head of Sales Operations for Southeast Asia, Nancy Chen added: “For the past 105 years, we have produced a total of 90,000 cars, which is less than what mass-market manufacturer produces in a week. What is amazing is that 90 percent of our cars are still on the road today. Of all the cars we’ve ever produced, one-third wears the DB Badge.”

Can’t blame 007 for his choice of this four-wheeled bullet.