Currently reading: Aston Martin DB11 AMR launched with 630bhp V12

Race-inspired variant replaces DB11 V12 and gets latest chassis-tuning first used on V8 model

Aston Martin has ramped up the performance of the Aston Martin DB11 with an uprated V12 engine and race-inspired features, giving the new top variant, the DB11 AMR, enough firepower to fight it out with its most potent rivals.

Replacing the two-year-old DB11 V12, which accounts for 40% of annual DB11 sales, the DB11 AMR gets an uprated twin-turbocharged 5.2-litre powerplant that develops 630bhp at 6500rpm and 516lb ft at 1500rpm. While the latter remains unchanged, the former represents a significant boost of 30bhp over the outgoing V12.

Not only does that ensure the hottest DB11 now has 127bhp of breathing space compared with the entry-level AMG V8-powered car, it also provides the DB11 AMR with muscle to worry its archrivals, including the 626bhp Bentley Continental GT W12 and 621bhp V12 Mercedes-AMG S65.

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As suggested by the AMR moniker, an acronym for Aston Martin Racing, the new model gets more than just a power boost. It also sends grunt to the rear axle via a retuned ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox and breathes through a new and less restrictive exhaust system, engineered to give the car a racier tone. The combined results are a new 0-62mph time of 3.7sec, two-tenths better than before, and a top speed of 208mph, a gain of 8mph.

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The chassis development team, led by chief engineer Matt Becker, has provided the AMR variant with the more agile suspension and geometry set-up of the younger V8 model. Aston claims the improvements have enhanced its responsiveness but had no noticeable effect on the car’s ability to be a comfortable grand tourer.

Aston boss Andy Palmer said: “With the exceptional V8 coupé 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 and more precise.”

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To signify its range-topping position, the DB11 AMR gets exposed carbonfibre trim and gloss black detailing on its exterior. Chrome has also been swapped for monochrome, with dark surrounds on the headlights and smoked tail-lights. This more aggressive theme continues inside, where there’s more monochrome trim and Alcantara upholstery, along with a lime central stripe on the leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Alongside the regular trim options for the AMR, which now includes a new carbonfibre steering wheel, there are three so-called Designer Specifications available. Buyers can also specify a matching tailored luggage set.

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At the car’s launch, Aston is offering a limited-edition version of the AMR with Stirling Green and lime livery that mimic the look of the division’s racing models. This variant gets more carbonfibre detailing and an interior trimmed with Dark Knight leather and contrasting lime details. Just 100 are due to be made.

On sale now, the standard DB11 AMR is priced from £174,995, a jump of £17,095 over the outgoing DB11 V12. This also makes the top model £30,095 pricier than the entry-level DB11 V8. The limited-run launch model is the most expensive, with prices starting at £201,995. First deliveries are due in the second quarter of the year.

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Aston will add another AMR model to its line-up later this year in the form of a new range-topping Rapide. That car has recently been spotted testing at the Nürburgring and comes with claims that it'll be the market's "most thrilling four-door".

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275not599 12 May 2018

What the hell is on that

What the hell is on that stupid label stitched into the side of the passenger seat?  Do not tumble dry?

Symanski 13 May 2018

Q for Aston Martin.

275not599 wrote:

What the hell is on that stupid label stitched into the side of the passenger seat?  Do not tumble dry?

 

It's the ejector seat.   Just give it a tug.

Euza 12 May 2018

So if Mercedes provides the

So if Mercedes provides the V8, who provides V12 engine? I love the sound of that V12 wow insane!

Symanski 12 May 2018

Ford.

Euza wrote:

So if Mercedes provides the V8, who provides V12 engine? I love the sound of that V12 wow insane!

 

Ford still produce the V12 engine at their plant in Cologne Germany.   It is exclusive to Aston and not used in any other Ford.

 

Some will tell you that the V12 is "simply two Ford V6 engines stuck together" (as the ignorant woman in the Driven TV show said), but in reality all they did was use the data from a well developed engine to create the V12.   There's nothing wrong in what they did.

 

Speedraser 14 May 2018

Symanski wrote:

Symanski wrote:

Euza wrote:

So if Mercedes provides the V8, who provides V12 engine? I love the sound of that V12 wow insane!

 

Ford still produce the V12 engine at their plant in Cologne Germany.   It is exclusive to Aston and not used in any other Ford.

 

Some will tell you that the V12 is "simply two Ford V6 engines stuck together" (as the ignorant woman in the Driven TV show said), but in reality all they did was use the data from a well developed engine to create the V12.   There's nothing wrong in what they did.

 

I agree. In contrast, the straight-from-Benz V8 is VERY WRONG. It's interesting that the V12 is making up 40% of sales. Most buyers have no clue, and no interest, in what's under the bonnet, sadly, so I'm not at all surprised to see the V8 selling well. It's also the only way to get a Volante (I wonder that the V12-V8 balance is for Coupes). Many who do know about the outsourced V8 DO care, and for me it's an absolute deal breaker. IMO, it's a shame that to get a DB11 with an Aston Martin engine, the price has just gone up significantly.

Michael Joseph 12 May 2018

f

f

Michael Joseph 12 May 2018

Lime pinstripes

DB11 is my perfect dream GT king .......but AMR Signature Edition (Stirling Green with Lime pinstripes) look terrible with the Lime pinstripes......doesn't suit the car elegance look....luckily they only produce 100 of them. Frankly speaking the AMR's Lime pinstripes destory the beauty look of DB11, also Rapide AMR and Vantage AMR. ....wrong direction : (