The Aston Martin DB11 AMR

Following hot on the heels of the Bentley Continental GT featured last week comes the Aston Martin DB11 AMR—the brand’s new top-of-the-range DB11. The DB11 AMR builds on the already capable DB11 V12, adding more power, improved handling, and a revised appearance package that swaps a glittering brightwork for a more subdued dark chrome.

Inspired by Aston Martin’s endurance racing program, the “AMR” (or Aston Martin Racing) badge represents a more performance-minded take on the DB11 following last year’s Vantage AMR and AMR Pro. In the seemingly endless arms race of automotive power output, the DB11 AMR’s 5.2-litre V12 makes 630 horsepower—30 more than the standard DB11 V12, and four more than that of the W12 in the Bentley Continental. While the DB11 AMR makes less torque than the Bentley, it does manage to best the Continental GT’s top speed by a whopping 1 mph, topping out at an incredible 208 mph (334.7 km/h).

With its carbon fibre design, the DB11 AMR is sporty and yet also functions well as a grand tourer. To match the added power and blacked-out trim, the DB11 AMR has also been tuned to offer a sportier ride and a more enthusiastic engine note from a revised exhaust setup. With the AMR in Sport mode, it should feel sharper and more raucous than a standard DB11.

Elaborating on the flagship positioning of the DB11 AMR, Dr. Andy Palmer, Aston Martin president and CEO, said “Since its initial launch back in 2016 the DB11 range has matured rapidly and intelligently, selling close to 4,200 V12 examples in that period. With the exceptional V8 Coupe and Volante we felt the V12 could reveal more of its sporting potential while remaining the consummate GT”.

I have long had a soft spot for racy Astons and the AMR seeks to find a compelling balance between an outright sports car and a comfy capable GT car.

I have driven a considerable distance in the above referenced DB11 V8 Coupe and loved it, and the AMR offers 127 more horsepower,a stealthier appearance package, and a nicely matched set of 20-inch forged alloy wheels. I have long had a soft spot for racy Astons and the AMR seeks to find a compelling balance between an outright sports car and a comfy capable GT car.

The highly customizable interior is appointed with monotone leather, an updated steering wheel, and the option of a lime green accent strip. The bright accent is part of the Signature Edition DB11 AMR, which is limited to 100 units worldwide and comes inStirling Green with a “Dark Knight” interior leather package alongside dark chrome and satin carbon fibre interior trim elements.

Pricing starts at $289,200 for a standard AMR and climbs to $324,000 for the Signature Edition. Representing a fourth phase for the DB11, the AMR offers an appeal that is distinct from the standard model, more hardcore than the Volante convertible, and, by maintaining that classic howling V12, somehow just more of an Aston Martin than the V8.

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