Aston Martin ups performance ante with DB11 AMR
BY THE GOAUTO TEAM | 14th May 2018
UPDATED: 1:30PM 14/05/2018
ASTON Martin has whipped the covers off its new DB11 grand-tourer flagship, the performance-focused AMR, which will be priced from $428,000 before on-road costs when it hits Australian dealerships in the fourth quarter this year.
Arriving as the replacement for the V12 DB11 Coupe, the DB11 AMR (Aston Martin Racing) commands a $33,000 premium but takes its forbear’s 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged petrol engine and increases maximum power by 23kW, to 470kW at 6500rpm, while peak torque holds steady at 700Nm from 1500rpm.
As a result, the DB11 AMR can sprint from standstill to 100km/h in 3.7 seconds, down 0.2s, while on the way to its top speed of 335km/h, up 13km/h.
These performance gains are also partly thanks to a new shift calibration for the eight-speed ZF torque-convertor automatic transmission, while the exhaust system is more vocal than before when the Sport driving mode is engaged.
Visual differentiation comes from the DB11 AMR’s darkened headlight surrounds, front grille and exhaust tips, as well as smoked tail-lights, gloss-black roof, roof strake, side sills and front splitter, while the bonnet blades and side strakes are finished in exposed carbon-fibre.
Claimed fuel consumption on the combined cycle test remains at 11.4 litres per 100 kilometres per 100 kilometres, while carbon dioxide emissions continue to be 265 grams per kilometre.
Inside, monotone leather and Alcantara upholstery is contrasted with a central lime stripe, while a leather sports steering wheel is standard. Customers can also choose from one of three Designer Specifications colour and trim combinations.
Carbon-fibre-trimmed options include an engine cover, exhaust tips, a deployable bootlid spoiler and a sports steering wheel with paddle shifters. Tailored luggage sets can also be ordered to match an individual DB11 AMR’s exact specification.
In addition to the regular DB11 AMR, a Signature Edition variant will be limited to 100 global units, with it externally distinguished by its Stirling Green and lime livery and extensive use of carbon-fibre.
Internally, the Signature Edition features Dark Knight leather upholstery, lime detailing, Satin Dark Chrome switchgear and Satin Carbon-fibre trim.
According to Aston Martin president and chief executive officer Andy Palmer, the DB11 AMR offers more performance capability than its predecessor.
“Since its initial launch back in 2016, the DB11 range has matured rapidly and intelligently, selling close to 4,200 V12 examples in that period,” he said.
“With the exceptional V8 Coupe and Volante, we felt the V12 could reveal more of its sporting potential while remaining the consummate GT.
“By applying a suite of carefully considered performance and styling enhancements, the DB11 AMR is both faster – 208mph – and more precise.
“It’s a combination that engages and cossets in equal measure to create a dynamic and seductive new flagship for the DB11 range while consolidating the existing V12-powered DB11s as future collectibles.”
The DB11 AMR was revealed alongside the opening of the renovated Aston Martin Nurburgring Test Centre at the Nordschleife racetrack in Nurburg, Germany, which has been renamed the AMR Performance Centre.
The AMR sub-brand was launched at the Geneva motor show in March last year and has already sprung variants of the Vantage sportscar and Valkyrie hypercar, while the Rapide upper-large sedan is line for similar treatment next.
Sales of Aston Martin Coupes and Volantes (including the DB11, Vanquish and Vantage) have taken a hit this year, with 43 examples sold to the end of April, representing a 15.7 per cent decrease over the 51 deliveries made during the same period in 2017.
This effort places Aston Martin fifth in the $200,000-plus sportscar segment this year, trailing the Porsche 911 (238 units), entire Ferrari line-up (81), Mercedes-AMG GT (74) and whole Lamborghini range (47).
