The Aston Martin DB11 makes its second debut in
Malaysia today, this time with an eight-cylinder engine as opposed to the
V12-powered version introduced by Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur back in September
2016.
The engine itself is sourced from Mercedes-AMG,
which is Aston Martin’s technical partner for a good number of years now. It is
a M177 4.0 litre twin-turbo V8 that is also used in Mercedes-AMG’s ‘63’ models,
but differs from the one used in the AMG GT S. Where the M177 uses a wet sump oil system, the M178 in the GT S has a dry sump instead.
In the DB11, the V8 serves up 510 PS and 675 Nm of
torque, which is 98 PS and 25 Nm less than what you’ll get with Aston’s AE31
5.2 litre twin-turbo V12 (608 PS and 700 Nm). Aston Martin also retained the ZF
eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission instead of adopting a
seven-speed AMG Speedshift dual-clutch transmission (DCT), with drive going to
the rear wheels.
With four less cylinders and various modifications
to accommodate the V8, including new engine mounts and a retuned suspension
setup, the V8 model is 115 kg lighter than the V12 one (1,760 kg vs. 1,875 kg).
In terms of performance, the DB11 accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just
four seconds and hit a top speed of 301 km/h, which is 0.1 seconds and 21 km/h
slower than the V12 version.
Design-wise, the DB11 V8 is largely similar to the
V12-powered model, retaining its lovely exterior shape, Aeroblade channels,
clamshell bonnet and side curlicue vents. Even so, the V8 is identified by a
pair of bonnet vents rather than the V12’s quartet, dark headlamp bezels and a
unique alloy wheel finish.
Not much difference on the inside, with a similar
layout showcasing the brand’s revised interior design language. A full-colour
12-inch TFT LCD display serves as the instrument cluster, while a second
eight-inch screen in the centre is linked to the car’s COMAND infotainment
system – another example of the Mercedes-Aston Martin partnership.
