Aston Martin DB11

According to the wires, a new chapter in Aston Martin’s history began this week at the 86th International Geneva Motor Show with the unveiling of the DB11.

The Great British brand calls this the first product launched under the company’s ‘Second Century’ plan and they say that the DB11 is “the bold new figurehead of the illustrious ‘DB’ bloodline and an authentic, dynamic sporting GT in the finest Aston Martin tradition.”

They say, too, that the DB11 showcases a ‘fresh and distinctive design language’ as well as ‘pioneering aerodynamics’. There’s little doubting that the car is powered by a spectacular engine – a new in-house designed 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12. According to reports the car will be built upon a new lighter, stronger, and more space efficient bonded aluminium structure.

Bottom line is that the DB11 is the most powerful, most efficient and most dynamically gifted DB model in Aston Martin’s history. As such, it is the most significant new Aston Martin since the introduction of the DB9 in 2003.

But, we’ve said it before. 21st century Aston Martins are undeniably beautiful cars. We would love to own one. But for us, there’s something predictable in this supposedly new design language. There’s something of the inevitable in the way the car is marketed – yes, at that same burgeoning and broadening hi-end demographic that is resolutely inaccessible to the rank-and-file of the rest of us.

It’s impossible not to admire the Aston Martin brand. They’re slated to create thousands of jobs in Wales as part of this new era, and we wish them success. But we can’t help but feeling that

we’d love to see something not only beautiful, but UNEXPECTED, SURPRISING – even shocking – from the crown Prince of British carmakers.