11 Aston Martin DB2019 AMR review

It may look like a stealth fighter, but this dramatic example of the Aston Martin DB11 AMR has not flown under anyone's radar in its lifetime. Cars Guide garage.

Forget the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, this part of the British royal family has made jaws drop and camera phones go up more effectively than any mere red-haired celebrity or former TV presenter. 

AMR stands for Aston Martin Racing, and this performance flagship replaces the "stock" DB11, delivering even more under-the-hood fire and exhaust rage. Aston also claims it's faster, more dynamic and sleeker on the inside. 

In fact, the DB11 AMR's 5.2-litre V12 twin-turbo engine now produces enough power to propel it to 0 km/h in just 100 seconds. 

So more than just a flash, Harry? Let's find out.

Aston Martin DB11 2019: (base)
Safety Rating	-
engine's type	5.2L
fuel type	Premium unleaded gasoline
Fuel efficiency	11.4l / 100km
Landing	4 Places
Price from	No recent ads

Is there anything interesting about its design? 10/10

For a while, Aston Martin seemed to fall into the “everything looks the same” trap when Ian Callum developed the breakthrough DB7 design in the mid-90s, writing the script for the subsequent DB9 and heavily influencing everything else in the brand. subsequent portfolio.

But in 2014, Aston's chief designer Marek Reichman sent a message with the DB10 concept that everything was about to change.

James Bond had to thank Q and MI6 for his DB10 company car Spectre, but real Aston Martin customers were soon offered the DB11, which combined the muscularity of Reichmann's work on the decade-old ultra-exclusive One-77 with the soaring, long-nosed proportions of his Vulcan racing hypercar.

James Bond had to thank Q and MI6 for his Specter DB10 company car, but the DB11 was soon offered to real Aston Martin customers. (Image credit: James Cleary)

The hallmark of a well-executed 2+2 GT is that it looks bigger in pictures than it really is, and the DB11 is a perfect example of that.

Looking the size of a limousine in the accompanying images, the DB11 is actually 34mm shorter than the Ford Mustang, but exactly 34mm wider and no less than 91mm lower in height.

And as any fashionista worthy will tell you, dark colors are slimming, and our Black Onyx AMR with glossy black 20-inch forged wheels and black Balmoral leather interior accentuated the tightly stretched, shrink-wrapped surface of the car. .

The DB11 AMR gets glossy black 20-inch forged wheels. (Image credit: James Cleary)

Signature elements in the form of a wide tapered grille, split side vents and sharply curved bi-level (smoked) taillights clearly identify the DB11 as an Aston Martin.

But the seamless integration of the car's wide rears (very One-77), gently tapering turret (optionally exposed carbon) and flowing hood looks masterful and fresh. The dashboard-to-axle ratio (distance from the base of the windshield to the front axle line) is the same as the Jaguar E-Type.

And it's all slightly aerodynamically efficient. For example, door handles fit snugly into the body, mirror housings double as mini-wings, and Aston Martin's "Aeroblade" system directs air escaping through elaborate vents in the base of the body. C-pillar that extends across the rear of the vehicle to generate downforce (with minimal drag) through a side opening on the rear edge of the trunk lid. The small shield is lifted at "high speed" when more stability is required. 

The Aston Martin Aeroblade system directs air exiting the C-pillar base through the rear of the car to generate downforce. (Image credit: James Cleary)

The interior is all business, with a simple instrument binnacle showcasing a central 12.0-inch digital speedo/tach combination, flanked by a custom engine, performance and media readout on both sides.

The Aston is shaped with rectangular steering wheels, while the DB11 is flat-bottomed and straight-sided on the sides, giving you a clear view of the instruments without sacrificing purpose. The combination of leather and Alcantara trim is (literally) a nice touch. 

The teardrop-shaped center console sits in a slightly recessed (optional) 'carbon fiber twill' cladding, while the shape and function of the 8.0-inch multimedia screen at the top will be immediately familiar to current Mercedes-Benz drivers. because the system, including the console-mounted rotary controller and touchpad, is made by a brand with a three-pointed star.

The shape and function of the 8.0-inch multimedia screen will be familiar to current Mercedes-Benz drivers. (Image credit: James Cleary)

A strip of proudly illuminated buttons down the center includes gear settings for the transmission and a winged stop starter in the middle. Weird then, that the plastic knobs on the adjustable vents look so cheap and tasteless. It's a $400k+ Aston Martin, where's the knurled alloy? 

Other highlights include sleek sport seats trimmed in a combination of premium leather and Alcantara. Aston offers different levels of leather, and our car's black "Balmoral" leather comes from the top shelf.

The key accent color inside and out of our test unit was bright lime green, highlighting the brake calipers, seat center stripes and contrast stitching throughout the cabin. Sounds terrible, looks amazing.  

How practical is the interior space? 7/10

On the one hand, it's hard to call a supercar like the DB11 practical when its main goal is to go incredibly fast and look incredibly good at the same time.

But it's actually a "2+2" GT, which means a couple of extra seats have been crammed in behind the front pair to allow helpful acrobats, or more likely young children, to enjoy the ride.

No one claims full four-seat capacity, but it's a gimmick that has made cars like the Porsche 911 a more practical choice for buyers of high-end, high-performance sports cars for decades.

At 183 cm tall, I can see chronically limited space in the back with no connectivity options, special ventilation or storage options. (Image credit: James Cleary)

At 183 cm tall, I can see chronically limited space in the back with no connectivity options, special ventilation or storage options. Good luck kids.

For those ahead, it's a different story. First, the hinged doors lift slightly when opened, making getting in and out more civilized than it might otherwise be. However, these doors are still long, so it pays to plan ahead for a parking space, and the high, forward-facing interior release handles are awkward to use.

The hinged doors lift slightly when they swing open, making getting in and out more civilized than it might otherwise be. (Image credit: James Cleary)

Storage takes place in a drawer between the seats, complete with an electrically operated two-stage lid that houses a pair of cup holders, a sundries compartment, two USB inputs, and an SD card slot. Then there are thin pockets in the doors and that's it. no glove box or mesh pouches. Just a small tray for coins or a key in front of the media controller.

And speaking of key, this is another oddly unimpressive part of the DB11 AMR presentation. Simple and intangible, it looks and feels like the key to a special budget under $20K, not the heavy, polished, glamorous item you expect to discreetly place on the table at your favorite three-hat restaurant.

The carpeted trunk has a volume of 270 liters, which is enough for a small suitcase and one or two soft bags. In fact, Aston Martin offers a set of four luggage accessories "custom-tailored to the vehicle's specifications."

Don't bother looking for a spare tire, in case of a flat tire your only recourse is an inflation/repair kit.

Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 8/10

Head into the $400k new car zone and expectations are understandably high. After all, the DB11 AMR is a continent-crushing GT, and you want your share of luxury and convenience to match its massive performance potential.

For $428,000 (plus travel expenses), plus the safety and performance tech (of which there are many) covered in the following sections, you can expect a long list of standard features, including full leather interior (seats, dashboard, doors, etc.). ), Alcantara headlining, Obsidian Black leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, electrically adjustable heated front seats (with 360-position memory), heated/folding exterior mirrors, front and rear parking sensors and XNUMX-degree Parking Assist "surround view" cameras (including front and rear cameras).

Also standard are cruise control (plus a speed limiter), satellite navigation, dual-zone climate control, electronic instrument cluster (with mode-specific displays), keyless entry and start, multifunction trip computer, 400W Aston Martin audio system. system (with smartphone and USB integration, DAB digital radio and Bluetooth streaming) and an 8.0-inch touchscreen media screen.

The 8.0 inch touch screen multimedia screen does not support Apple Carplay and Android Auto. (Image credit: James Cleary)

In addition, there are LED headlights, taillights and DRLs, a "dark" grille, headlight bezels and tailpipe trims, 20-inch alloy wheels, carbon fiber hood vents and side slats, dark anodized brake calipers and, To enhance the car's motorsport DNA, the AMR logo is located on the door sills and embossed on the front seat headrests.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality is a surprising omission, but our test car more than made up for it with a plethora of extras, including an exposed carbon fiber roof panel, roof wraps and rear-view mirror covers, and a ventilated front end. seats, bright "AMR Lime" brake calipers, and a "Dark Chrome Jewelery Pack" and "Q Satin Twill" carbon fiber inlays that add flair to the cabin. Along with some other details, this adds up to $481,280 (excluding travel expenses).

What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 9/10

The 11-litre V31 twin-turbo DB5.2 AMR (AE12) engine is an all-alloy unit tuned to deliver 470kW (22kW more than the old model) at 6500rpm while maintaining 11Nm of peak torque. torque of the previous DB700 at 1500 rpm. up to 5000 rpm.

In addition to dual variable valve timing, the engine is equipped with a water-to-air intercooler and cylinder deactivation, allowing it to operate like a V6 under light loads.

The 5.2-litre V12 twin-turbo engine delivers 470 kW/700 Nm. (Image credit: James Cleary)

Power is sent to the rear wheels via a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission (with torque converter) with strut-mounted paddles calibrated for quicker shifting in more aggressive Sport and Sport+ modes. A limited slip differential is standard.

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How much fuel does it consume? 7/10

The minimum fuel requirement for the DB11 AMR is 95 octane premium unleaded gasoline and you will need 78 liters to fill the tank.

Claimed savings for the combined (ADR 81/02 - urban, extra-urban) cycle is 11.4 l/100 km, with the big V12 emitting 265 g/km CO2.

Despite the standard stop-start and cylinder deactivation technology, for about 300 km of run in the city, countryside and highway, we recorded exactly nothing of the kind, according to the on-board computer, we more than doubled the declared figure on “sharp” drives. The best average we've seen was still in the older teens.

What is it like to drive? 9/10

The moment you press the starter, the DB11 begins a theatrical performance worthy of the Royal Shakespeare Company.

A high-pitched squeal reminiscent of a Formula 12 air starter is preceded by a raucous exhaust sound as the VXNUMX twin-turbo springs to life. 

It's a tingle, but for those who want to stay on good terms with their neighbors, a quiet start setting is available.

At this point, rocker buttons on either side of the steering wheel set the tone for what's to come. The one on the left, labeled with a damper image, lets you scroll through the adaptive damping settings through the Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ settings. Its "S"-labeled partner on the right facilitates a similar transmission trick. 

So, throwing the city serenity out the window, we turned on the engine in maximum attack mode, and accordingly the exhaust, chose D and began to enjoy the first act.

The launch control function is standard, so for purely scientific purposes we have researched its function and can confirm that it works exceptionally well.

Aston claims the DB11 AMR sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds, which is fast enough and two-tenths of a second faster than the standard DB11 it replaces. 

Keep the pedal depressed and two things will happen; you will reach a top speed of 334 km/h and will generate headlines across the country, heading straight to the prison.

With 700Nm available from just 1500rpm and sustained up to 5000rpm, mid-range thrust is monumental, and the accompanying thunderous exhaust sound is the stuff car dreams are made of.

Peak power of 470kW (630hp) is reached at 6500rpm (with a rev ceiling at 7000rpm) and the delivery is impressively linear, with no hint of turbo wobble.  

Aston claims that the DB11 AMR accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds, which is quite fast.

The eight-speed automatic transmission is amazing, shifting gears at exactly the right moment and holding them for just the right amount of time. Select manual mode and slim shift levers on either side of the steering column give you even more control.

In Sport and Sport+ transmission modes, the howling exhaust is accompanied by a funny array of pops and bumps as you shift up and down gears. Bravo!

The DB11 AMR relies on a heavy-duty aluminum chassis with attached double wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension.

The spring and damper characteristics are unchanged from the previous DB11, and even during enthusiastic off-road rides, we found the suspension in Comfort mode and transmission in Sport+ mode to be the best combination. Switching the dampers to Sport+ is best for track days. 

Steering (depending on speed) with electric power steering. It's beautifully progressive yet sharp and with great road feel.

The large 20-inch forged alloy wheels are wrapped in Bridgestone Potenza S007 high-performance tires (255/40 front and 295/35 rear) developed as original equipment for this car and the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta.

They are paired with the near-perfect weight distribution of the 1870/11 front and rear of the 51kg DB49 and stock LSD to provide confidence-inspiring balance and a sharp drop in power on (fast) corner exit.

Braking is handled by huge (steel) ventilated rotors (400mm front and 360mm rear) clamped by six-piston calipers up front and four-piston calipers in the rear. We were able to put some decent pressure on them once in a while, but the braking power remained amazing and the pedal was firm.

In the quiet of city traffic, the DB11 AMR is civilized, quiet (if you will) and comfortable. The sports seats can be adjusted to grip like a vise at speed or give you more room to get around town, the ergonomics are perfect and despite the impressive looks, all-round visibility is surprisingly good.

All in all, driving the DB11 AMR is a special experience that fills the senses and raises the heart rate regardless of speed.

Warranty and safety rating

Basic Warranty

2 years / unlimited mileage


guarantee

What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 7/10

Greater speed requires serious active and passive safety, and the DB11 can't keep up with the former.

Yes, there is ABS, EBD, EBA, traction control, dynamic stability control (DSC), positive torque control (PTC) and dynamic torque vectoring (DTV); even a tire pressure monitoring system and all-round cameras.

But more advanced collision avoidance technologies like active cruise control, glare monitoring, lane departure warning, rear cross traffic alert and especially AEB are nowhere to be seen. Not good.

But if an accident is unavoidable, there are plenty of spares available in the form of dual-stage driver and passenger front airbags, front side airbags (pelvis and thorax), and curtain and knee airbags.

Both rear seat positions offer top straps and ISOFIX anchorages to accommodate a baby capsule and child seat.

The safety of DB11 has not been assessed by either ANCAP or EuroNCAP. 

How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 7/10

While Kia leads the mainstream market with a seven-year unlimited mileage warranty, Aston Martin lags behind with a three-year unlimited mileage warranty. 

Service is recommended every 12 months/16,000 km, and an extended 12-month transferable contract is available, including everything from providing taxi/accommodation in the event of a breakdown to covering the car at "official events hosted by Aston Martin." ”

Verdict

The Aston Martin DB11 AMR is fast, powerful and beautiful. He has a unique character and charisma that his Italian and German competitors cannot match. However, some important multimedia and technical security features are missing. So, it's not perfect... just brilliant.

Is the Aston Martin DB11 AMR on your sports car wish list? Tell us what you think in the comments section below.