Aston-Martin will be expanding its range of DB11 offerings, fitting the 2+2 sports car with a V8 engine for the first time. The new 4.0-liter V8, which will be offered as an alternative to the existing 5.2-liter twin turbocharged V12, makes 503 horsepower and 513 lb-ft of torque. The DB11 V8 can accelerate to 62 mph in 4.0 seconds and on to a top speed of 187 mph.
“To be able to offer not one, but two exceptional GT cars is terrific for Aston Martin and our customers,” said Max Szwaj, chief technical officer for the British sports car maker. “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.”
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Szwaj added that “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.”
Aston input
Among the changes engineered by Aston Martin in adapting the V8 for DB11 service is a new air intake, exhaust system and wet sump lubrication. The firm also did its own calibration of the engine control software and reprogrammed engine and throttle mapping to match the sound and dynamic feel of the DB11. New engine mounts were also designed to enable the lighter and more compact V8 to be mounted as low as possible to an optimal center of gravity. V8 models are also 253 pounds lighter than their V12 counterparts.
The V8 models are differentiated by having two instead of the four hood vents found on V12s done in a choice of black or titanium finish, as well as the use of dark headlamp bezels and unique alloy wheel treatments. Interior appointments and trim are similar to the V12’s. The 2018 Aston Martin DB11 V8 is priced from $198,995, while the V12 is $216,495. Deliveries begin in the fourth quarter of this year.
