cars news 10: 2017 Aston Martin DB11 Put Through its Paces on Ignition

The 2017 Aston Martin DB11 is the first product to come from the British marque’s Second Century plan, and to see if Aston is on the right path, host Jonny Lieberman takes the wheel in this episode of Ignition.

Powered by a twin-turbo 5.2-liter V-12 that makes 600 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, the DB11 is the latest in a long line of Aston Martin grand tourers. As part of a deal with Daimler, the DB11 shares many electronics components with Mercedes-Benz models, but Lieberman argues that doesn’t make it any less British. After walking us through the coupe’s design, Lieberman jumps in and drives the DB11 on some winding back roads. The host gushes about the V-12 engine note and comments on how easy the DB11 is to drive. But being a British car, the Aston Martin DB11 deserves an equally British reviewer. So, Lieberman hands the keys over to 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Justin Bell.

The two discuss how it feels to drive the DB11 and also talk about what the car does for the Aston Martin brand. But to find out what kind of performance more than $200,000 buys you at the Aston Martin dealership, Randy Pobst takes the DB11 for a lap around Willow Springs International Raceway. The car turns a relatively fast lap, but at the limit its weight works against it. Does that mean the DB11 isn’t worth it? Watch the full episode below for Lieberman’s final thoughts.