New 2017 Aston Martin DB11 Powered By Mercedes-AMG 4.0 V8

Through its synergy with Mercedes-AMG, Aston Martin has introduced a new engine variant for its DB11 grand tourer powered by Affalterbach's famed 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8.

After successfully introducing the DB11 in 2016 with a 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine, Aston Martin has gone down the downsized turbocharging route to offer competitive products in markets where car taxation policy is structured around engine capacity, such as China, or even Malaysia, for that matter.

The new 4.0-litre variant, which will be sold alongside the 5.2-litre V12 (600bhp and 700Nm) model, produces 503bhp and 675Nm of torque and is capable of propelling the DB11 from 0-100km/h in just 4.0sec on to a top speed of 300km/h.

The 4.0-litre AMG V8 engine, codenamed M178, also sees duty in the Mercedes-AMG GT family, with outputs ranging from 456hp in the AMG GT right up to 577hp in AMG GTR. AMG engines are known for their robust build quality, given AMG's 'one man-one engine' principle – every unit is signed off by its builder with a metal plaque that is fixed onto the engine cover. 

Aston Martin has visibly carried the treatment over to the DB11 V8, but, instead of the AMG engine builder's name, the plaque brandishes the name of the inspector who conducts the final inspection at Aston Martin's home in Gaydon. U.K.

However, Aston Martin has tweaked certain components such as the air intake, exhaust and wet sump lubrication systems. Aston Martin were also given freedom by AMG to create new ECU software and reprogram the engine and throttle mapping to deliver the all-important Aston Martin feel and sound.

Aston Martin’s engineers also designed new engine mounts, which together with the bespoke, ‘slimline’ wet sump system enables the V8 to be mounted lower within the engine bay for an optimised center-of-gravity.

The V8 engine is also lighter and more compact than the V12, which contributes to a saving of 115kg and a kerb weight of 1760kg.

The lower weight and better weight distribution have also enabled engineers to further enhance the handling characteristics of the DB11 – suspension bushing, suspension geometry, anti-roll bars, springs, dampers and ESP software are all newly-developed.

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 twelve-cylinder variant.

Inside, both V8 and V12 customers have the same standard equipment levels and the same extensive choice of colour and trim options.

The new V8-powered DB11 made its debut at the ongoing Goodwood Festival of Speed. The V8 DB11 is on sale now with a price starting at EUR 184,000 in Germany.