The Aston Martin car brand is like Big Ben in London, you never get tired looking at it. This is the first time I am reviewing an Aston Martin and I want to understand how powerful and well-loved it is within the UK. For me, Aston Martin is a lifestyle car with ample British history we all love to see around the globe. Just like a rare art collection that will hold its value!
It is and will always be a car with a licence to thrill!
Aston Martin DB11 – Licence To Thrill
I had the DB11 v8 Coupe in the colour frost white dropped off at one of the most stunning areas of Britain, the Cotswolds. The DB11 V8 engine makes it lighter and more compact than the V12, which contributes to a saving of 115kg and a kerb weight of 1760kg. Keeping this in mind, would this affect my driving around the narrow roads of the iconic Cotswolds? How stable was the DB11 regarding traction control on wet roads? Regarding this particular engine how has, it changed the character of the car?
According to Aston Martin, this DB11 V8 is the most complete and sophistaticated car Aston Martin has ever made.
James Bond No Time To Die
It is the only car brand we love to see in the James Bond movies. Other car brands would die to get the press Aston Martin gets regarding the franchise of James Bond movies. The new James Bond movie, No Time To Die is set to be released in April. I am speculating the new Aston Martin DBX suv will be part of the marketing of its fleet within the James Bond pact? Watching the cars in these movie scenes is like art, a sense of complexity that appeals to the imagination and its ability if for only a short while to be thrilled on all lifestyle accounts.
It was so nice to drive the DB11 and listen to the latest James Bond song.
This month Billie Ellish singer-songwriter for James Bond 2020, sums it up, even if not intentionally. Aston Martin has, No Time To Die.
Worcestershire
Driving through Worcestershire during storm Ciara certainly made the driving experience a lot more challenging. Britain is facing the worse floods in history so the car being so low was another James Bond scene made into reality. There was an instant rapport with UK, floods, nature and the Aston Martin.
Worcestershire floods – time to turn around here.
Exterior Design
When I first came outside a slow crowd had already built at 8 am. This was a teaser of what I would encounter over the next few days. In fact, out of all the cars I have reviewed since 2015, the DB11 was the most crowd stopper and engaging car review I have ever done. For the few days that I had it, I never saw another Aston Martin. This for me is a great definition of being exclusive. The Cotswolds is renowned for expensive cars that people choose to drive around. I also drove it to Worcestershire and Oxfordshire, but I saw none.
I had people walking up to me, asking me what Aston Martin car type it was. I had people screaming, OMG, that is an Aston Martin. I had little boys just captivated every time I parked. On a few occasions, the boys were hypnotised by its appearance. They were in a trance, it was so cute to see. I had ladies coming up to me asking if I could drive it or was it just a fashion prop for me to lean on?
The truth be told, I used it for many reasons, fashion shoot, lifestyle, attracting people and showing off. This is how I associate the brand Aston Martin, it is the James Bond lifestyle car. Hence why I teamed up with a few luxury hotels to get into this lifestyle.
I wanted the whole package of feeling empowered to be a niche if only for a few days.
The DB11 design for me was like art, it grabbed, excited and captivated me. This car like a like spotting a self portrait by Rembrandt. I am looking at someone who is looking at me.
Tire Handling
I kid you not, from the moment I put my foot on the accelerator I was sliding and spinning everywhere. It was super fun and a clear reminder of the producing power it had, 510pS (503BHP ) and 675Nm of torque. I certainly did test the 0-62mph take off. But I have to be honest, the wheels seemed to be struggling with traction and I was spinning before I could really propel. What was causing this? My theory is that the car was top-heavy and the rear wheels were further back than usual. It is the design that created this, plus the tyres were too hard, which can be changed.
I loved how I could see the tires like this once I opened the bonnet.
007 Tyres
These are the specs of the 007 tyres. Front 20 10 spoke alloy wheels 9j x 20 Bridgestone s007 255/40 ZR20, rear 11.o jx20 Bridgestone s007 295/35 ZR20.
I took some petrol heads for a spin and they were astounded how easy the wheels were spinning. But hence why I nicknamed the DB11 Licence to thrill!
It was just part of the James Bond 007 appeal for us all. No other car brand in the world can claim that title, even the numbers on the tyres.
Kicking about in the DB11 was full of unkown action pact experiences.
The revision mirrors were big and I often loved my rearview! Brockencote Hall Hotel Worcestershire.
Transmission & GPS
I loved the simplicity of driver selectable powertrain calibrations and engine stop/start all sitting on the dashboard. The GPS was simple to use and very responsive. I never took a wrong turn once and I had been in new locations.
Interior Design
The balmoral leather teamed with the red contrast stitching and brogue detailing was stunning. The spice red seatbelts were super classic and an excellent touch.
They felt lovely and very comfortable whilst driving. I never got an aching back once. Space was ample in the front seat. But in the rear not so good on leg space. But seriously who would complain about seating in an Aston Martin? Most owners there are only two people overall. As I drove this car my creative mind went into overdrive. I began to be very impulsive regarding stopping at places as well as purchases.
I have not bought a fine art painting for years. I dropped by unannounced at one of the 5th best fine art galleries in the world, in Broadway Cotswolds. Who is going to refuse a lady driving an Aston Martin?
This hidden gem is an amazing gallery, asks for owner Tony who is an expert on most of the world-class paintings and images. Let’s face it I was creating my own James Bond action pact challenges regarding lifestyle. I blame it on the DB11.
With a wonderful array of subjects to choose from with all categories, I could not resist. My new challenge was how I was going to fit it in the DB11?
I had a new backseat passenger, an oil painting with an opulent gold frame a vintage classic.
I did try, but it did not fit in the boot!
Good thing I had a support car down the road.
Internal Storage
There was nowhere I could put my water or coffee cup which is impractical. I drink loads of water whilst driving. First world problem I say. But regarding my accessories, there was ample of storage and I liked how I could cover it up with a click of the button, tucked away nice and safe!
Image Driving The Aston Martin
Being comfortable is important but in a car like this with so many years of style icons one can never dress up too much. On this occasion we opted for the iconic chequered shirt teamed with denim and leather booted brogues.
As for the Aston Martin DB11 lifestyle look. How many women do you see in adverts let alone the James Bond movie driving an Aston Martin? I talk about that on Gracie Opulanza. What is the Aston Martin DB11 image for women?
Conclusion
I loved every moment driving the Aston Martin. It is one of the most fun drives for me. The v8 engine sounded lovely, the overall driving experience as you would expect, was brilliant cornering through the Cotswolds. It is a large car but everyone was very gracious and made way for me to pass them by. I have never been treated with such respect in a car as the Aston Marton.
The DB11 is certainly is a car with a licence to thrill! Everyone loved the brand and the look of the car! A fine piece of art history on wheels.
Aston Martin has no time to die, investor Stroll, has some huge challenges ahead for 2020. He is fabulously wealthy and has drawn up what looks to be a sensible plan to keep the Aston Martin wheels spinning. In his own words and now I can relate to him after my experience.
He talks about the carmaker being “a gem that needs love”.
I am proud to be part of that gem! I want to be part of saving this gem!
