After its successful global introduction in 2016, Aston Martin’s definitive GT is now available with a 4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine. Perfectly complementing the DB11’s existing 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine, this new 8-cylinder powerplant has provided the opportunity to reveal more of the DB11’s sporting character, while expanding its global appeal with a combination of exceptional performance and improved efficiency.
Producing 503bhp of power and 675Nm of torque, the V8 engine’s potency is beyond question, propelling the DB11 from zero to 100km/h in just 4 seconds and on to a top speed of 300km/h.
This exceptional performance is matched by impressive efficiency: CO2 emission of 230g/km and a combined fuel economy figure of 10km/litre.
The inherent qualities of this light, compact and characterful power unit make it the ideal choice to sit alongside the existing V12 engine. Aston Martin’s engineering team has tailored the V8 engine 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-engine option.
To this end, Aston Martin engineers designed new engine mounts which, together with the bespoke, slimline wet sump system, enable the V8 to be mounted as low as possible for an optimised centre of gravity. The V8 enine is also lighter and more compact than the V12, which contributes to a saving of 115kg and a kerb weight of 1760kg.
With more of that mass centred 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 customers 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.
Inside, both V8 and V12 customers have the same standard equipment levels and the same extensive choice of colour and trim options. They can also elect to enhance the specification of their DB11 via the same Option Packs and Designer Specification packages, plus a suite of Q by Aston Martin – Collection options. 
Read our overseas and local reviews of the V12 Aston DB11.
