Fresh and distinctive design

If it’s good enough for 007 James Bond … it’s good enough for a Bahraini (and any expat who can afford it after the recent increase in water and electricity prices), writes Kristian Harrison.

A new chapter in Aston Martin’s storied history was written at the 86th International Geneva Motor Show with the unveiling of the DB11, the first product launched under the company’s ‘Second Century’ plan, with a launch scheduled for the summer in the Gulf region.

According to the British marque, the DB11 features a fresh and distinctive design, pioneering aerodynamics and is the most powerful Aston Martin to date. Built upon a new lighter, stronger and more space-efficient bonded aluminium structure, the DB11 is the most ‘significant addition’ to the line-up since the DB9 in 2003, its designers say.

Aston Martin CEO, Dr Andy Palmer, told MotoringWeekly: “We aspire to make the most beautiful cars in the world. DB11 is the absolute embodiment of what an Aston Martin should be and we have worked tirelessly to ensure that DB11 combines both exceptional design with the latest technology throughout.

“A new bonded aluminium platform, clever aerodynamics, a new characterful twin-turbo V12 and class-leading infotainment systems are just a few aspects which make this the sports car that will proudly spearhead Aston Martin’s second century plan.”

New additions on the design front include the front-hinging clamshell bonnet, distinctive LED headlights and accentuated lines of the iconic grille. Clean lines dominate the bodywork to give the model a sleek, aerodynamic look, which is most prominent on the rear and tail-lights.

The beating heart of the DB11 is a 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12. Designed in-house, this new engine delivers 600BHP and 700Nm of torque, with a top speed of 200mph and a 0-62mph time of 3.9 seconds.

As for the drive itself, multiple dynamic modes are included such as GT, Sport and Sport Plus, which progressively intensify the response of the engine, eight-speed automatic ZF transmission, electric power steering and torque vectoring.

On the infotainment front, the DB11 utilises both a full-colour 12-inch TFT LCD display, which presents primary vehicle information, and a second, centrally-mounted eight-inch TFT screen dedicated to entertainment features.

Controlled via an intuitive rotary control, with an optional touchpad offering character recognition, multi-touch and gesture support, the new satellite navigation and audio system is the most driver-friendly yet.

A newly-implemented auto-park assist feature and 360-degree birds-eye view camera helps provide safe manoeuvring at slow speeds and is also operated via the car’s infotainment system.

The first deliveries of the DB11 car are scheduled to begin during the fourth quarter of 2016. Depending on the car specifications the starting price will be around BD102,000.

For more information, contact Montana Motors on 17669999 or email montana@batelco.com.bh