Launch Update - Aston Martin DB11 V8 arrives in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: Earlier this month, Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur released the arrival date of the all-new DB11 V8 model. Keeping its words, the British luxury auto manufacturer launched the V8 version of this car in Malaysia. It is the second time for the DB11 in the country, as prior to this in 2016, the company launched Aston Martin DB11 V12 model.

Aston Martin has sourced the engine found under the DB11 V8 hood from its long-term technical partner, Mercedes-AMG. The M177 4.0-litre twin turbo V8 engine is currently powering as many as sixty-three Mercedes AMG models. In the DB11 V8, the said mill produces a maximum power output of 510 PS along with the peak torque of 675 Nm. The mentioned performance figures are less compared to that churned by the 5.2-litre twin turbo mill housing the Aston Martin DB11 V12 (608 PS and 700 NM). The Merc adopted engine is paired with the ZF retained eight-speed automatic torque converter transmission that passes power to rear wheels.

In addition to a contrasting engine, the DB11 V8 and V12 models differ on many aspects, here are a few -

• Aston Martin has reduced DB11 CO2 emission level from 265 to 230 grams, thus making it a more appealing option between the two models
• The new DB11 V8 is 115 kg lighter than the ongoing V12 option, all thanks to the use of intensive aluminum architecture and reduction of the cylinder from eight to four, i.e., V12 to V8
• Due to the reduced weight, Aston Martin DB11 V8 becomes a more focused and slightly sportier compared to its elder sibling
• Improving the car’s underbody tuning and taking advantage of the mass reduction, Aston Martin has added new damper hardware, ABS, calipers with a smaller piston (resulting in improved braking), and stiffer rear subframe bushings.

• The V8-powered DB11 looks no different than the V12 model on the road, but they display a slight difference on the speedometer reading. The V8 mill is 1/3rd of a tick slower than the V12 option in touching the 100 kmph mark
• On the visual front, the two models can be separated via several styling attributes. The eight-cylinder model, for example, features dark color headlamps bezels, uniquely finished wheels, and two hood vents unlike four featuring on the DB11 V12

• The DB11 V8 is the first car in the company’s line-up to get ‘ASTON MARTIN’ spelled out individually, letter-by-letter on the trunk lid
• With a slight difference in the two models performance scale, the DB11 V8 mill holds a somewhat affordable price tag than its older sibling. While the V12 is available for RM2 million, the recently launched V8 mill is offered at RM1.8 million

With its revised under hood configuration, interior design, and lower price tag it would be interesting to see how the new DB11 performs compared to the ongoing V12 model on the sales front.