TRANSPORT
Aluminium Aston Martin DB11
Mass-market carmarkers like Ford and Audi have switched to aluminium to take advantage of weight savings.
14 September, 2016
Some of the most storied luxury and sports car brands, however, have also turned to aluminium to build their latest cars.
The Aston Martin DB11 is one of the latest car models to integrate aluminium, and lots of it, into a lightweight design. With a price tag north of USD $200,000, though, the similarities between this 2017 Aston Martin and most of the other vehicles adopting aluminium across the industry pretty well begin and end there.
First off, the DB11 incorporates many features from the DB10, of which there were only 10 produced. The previous car model was designed solely for James Bond to drive; Daniel Craig's character races his Aston Martin DB10 through the streets of Rome in 2015's "Spectre."
First off, the DB11 incorporates many features from the DB10, of which there were only 10 produced. The previous car model was designed solely for James Bond to drive; Daniel Craig's character races his Aston Martin DB10 through the streets of Rome in 2015's "Spectre."
"There's language that we developed for the DB10 for the Bond film that's gone into this car," says Miles Nürnberger, the chief exterior designer for Aston Martin. Specifically, he points to "some of the tauter lines and the more muscular surfacing that you see around the car."
Aston Martin aficionados likely know that the cars have appeared in 12 of the 24 Bond films, dating back 50 years, but so much about automotive technology has changed since then, not the least of which is the aluminium that goes into the manufacturing. The entire DB11 body is made in aluminium, with just a few composite elements. The clamshell bonnet was especially difficult to achieve because Aston Martin struggled to find right-sized aluminium rolls for it. "It almost didn't happen," as Nürnberger admits.
Aston Martin aficionados likely know that the cars have appeared in 12 of the 24 Bond films, dating back 50 years, but so much about automotive technology has changed since then, not the least of which is the aluminium that goes into the manufacturing. The entire DB11 body is made in aluminium, with just a few composite elements. The clamshell bonnet was especially difficult to achieve because Aston Martin struggled to find right-sized aluminium rolls for it. "It almost didn't happen," as Nürnberger admits.
Images: Aston Martin
The real differences are under the hood in this classic GT model. The engine, also in aluminium, is a 5.2-liter V12 that accelerates to 62 mph (99.8 km/h) in just 3.9 seconds and powers the DB11 to a top speed of 322km/h. The 600 horsepower engine is built by Ford at the Cologne, Germany, facility, and reflects the company's plans to move toward turbocharged engines in future Aston Martin vehicles.
It's the most powerful engine ever placed into an Aston Martin, but it changes the experience for drivers accustomed to the classic full-throated sound they expect. While the DB11 may not be readily accessible to the average, curious tire-kicker craving to take it for a spin, the Aston Martin website features a link to hear the DB11's thrilling sound.
It's the most powerful engine ever placed into an Aston Martin, but it changes the experience for drivers accustomed to the classic full-throated sound they expect. While the DB11 may not be readily accessible to the average, curious tire-kicker craving to take it for a spin, the Aston Martin website features a link to hear the DB11's thrilling sound.
If a perspective buyer does kick the tires, they will find the Bridgestone S007 (perhaps not a coincidence) all the way around. These high-performance racing tires are mounted on 20-inch (50.8 cm), 10-spoke Silver Diamond Turned alloy wheels. The wheels enhance the bold yet elegant exterior of the DB11, which adds the Aeroblade™ to the Aston Martin repertoire. This feature eliminates the need for a rear spoiler that otherwise disrupts the lines of this more angular GT, providing an innovative design solution to aerodynamic stability.
Image: Motor Authority
The system channels air through portals in the DB11 frame, funnels it beneath the boot and then fires the air from the vehicle to create a "virtual spoiler." This solves the problem of lift that emerges as speeds increase, without adding weight that undermines performance of fuel efficiency.
For all its exterior improvements – including the new aluminium grille design – the real reason to own an Aston Martin isn't to look at it, but rather to drive it. The DB11 interior offers almost as much to admire, in part because the vehicle frame was configured to create more space inside. The door apertures are larger, front seat passengers have additional headroom, and rear passengers enjoy both head and legroom improvements. State of the art infotainment technologies, precise climate controls, and the high-quality materials and craftsmanship you'd expect from Aston Martin complete the new DB11 look.
For all its exterior improvements – including the new aluminium grille design – the real reason to own an Aston Martin isn't to look at it, but rather to drive it. The DB11 interior offers almost as much to admire, in part because the vehicle frame was configured to create more space inside. The door apertures are larger, front seat passengers have additional headroom, and rear passengers enjoy both head and legroom improvements. State of the art infotainment technologies, precise climate controls, and the high-quality materials and craftsmanship you'd expect from Aston Martin complete the new DB11 look.
Banner image: Aston Martin