The Engineer drives: Aston Martin’s brave new world – the DB11

The DB11 marks the start of a brave new world for Aston Martin. Out goes the old VH platform that has underpinned most of the company’s models since 2003. The glorious naturally aspirated V12 that stretches back to the DB7 is gone now too (at least from this part of the range). In comes a new bonded aluminium chassis, plus an all-new 5.2-litre V12 sporting pair of twin-scroll turbochargers.

This is also the first product of a tie-up with Daimler. Aston Martin is at pains to point out that the engine and chassis – and indeed most of the other parts – have been designed and produced in-house. Nonetheless, there are elements, such as the heating ventilation and cooling (HVAC) system and the back end of the infotainment system, which do come from the German giant.

It feels like stepping into a different century if you swing open the door of the DB11, having come from one of its predecessors. There’s still an Aston Martin feel to the interior, with acres of leather and exquisite detailing, but it feels like it’s jumped several rungs on the evolutionary ladder.