DB11 AMR 2018 : puissance portée à 630 ch, suspension recalibrée avec Aston Martin Racing et aérodynamique dédiée. Le comparatif pour bien choisir.
The DB11 AMR is often seen as a mere badge, but the DB11 AMR brings measurable changes for those hesitating on the used market. We review, point by point, the mechanical evolutions and range context to clearly distinguish this model from the standard DB11 V12.
The 630 PS 5.2-litre biturbo: how Aston Martin Racing extracted an extra 30 PS
At its 2018 launch, the DB11 AMR’s 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 produces 630 PS, 30 PS more than the initial 600 PS DB11 V12. This figure comes from the brand’s official release, which explicitly positioned the AMR as the sharpest evolution of Gaydon’s V12 grand tourer (source: media.astonmartin.com).
This power gain is no spec-sheet vanity: it reflects tighter engine calibration and thermal management, aimed at delivering fuller response across the rev range. The brief: more breath at high rpm without spoiling the twin-turbo V12’s everyday elasticity.
The AMR badge refers to Aston Martin Racing, the motorsport division, and comes with technical input on setup (source: astonmartin.com, via the media portal). In practice, the 30 PS increase goes hand in hand with adjusted throttle and gearbox maps for a more linear shove and crisper response, while preserving the DB11’s long-distance composure.
Revised suspension: learnings from the racing programme and new damper travel
Beyond the engine, the AMR is recognisable by its recalibrated suspension in collaboration with the race team. According to the brand, these endurance-inspired settings target more precise steering and better-controlled body support without tipping into gratuitous stiffness (source: astonmartin.com).
In concrete terms, damping and anti-roll characteristics are tightened to offer better control of body movements. The car remains a grand tourer, but gains cohesion on fast roads and consistency under committed driving. The aim is clear: make the sports car more readable, hence more confidence-inspiring, in the dry and in the wet.
The AMR philosophy does not turn the car into a hardcore track special; it filters a little less, communicates a little more. A subtle evolution, but one that’s noticeable if you value clear feedback from the front end and calmer traction on corner exit.
AMR aerodynamics: rear wing, front splitter and their measurable effect on downforce
The AMR adopts dedicated aero, combining a specific front splitter and rear wing to stabilise airflow at high speed. The brand highlights a measurable effect on downforce and the car’s stance, though without publishing detailed figures in the launch release (source: media.astonmartin.com).
The design remains deliberately discreet: the sought-after balance comes from fine-tuning rather than visual one-upmanship. The result is felt more in straight-line stability and reduced float at very high speed than in pure styling, in line with the marque’s trademark restraint.
This aero update neatly complements the revised suspension: less parasitic transfer, more consistency in axle loading, and ultimately a line that holds with fewer steering corrections.
Satin Chopped Carbon interior and exclusive colour palette: what sets the AMR apart visually
Inside, the AMR stands out with Satin Chopped Carbon inlays and a colour palette unique to the model. The intent: more overt sportiness without denying the DB11’s elegance. These finishes, highlighted at launch, cement the AMR as the sharpest iteration of the V12 coupé (source: media.astonmartin.com).
The dedicated paints and packs allow collectors to spot the car at a glance while remaining true to Aston Martin’s understated aesthetic. On the used market, these interior and exterior specifics serve as useful indicators of authenticity and configuration.
For an overview of the lineage and variants, our feature on the different DB11 versions details the model’s major evolutions since launch.
The DB11 AMR as a bridge to the DBS Superleggera: what this model says about 2018 range positioning
The DB11 AMR arrived in 2018, as the new Vantage entered production and Gaydon prepared the launch of the DBS Superleggera (June 2018), set to occupy the pinnacle of the two-door range (sources: media.astonmartin.com for Vantage production; dedicated DBS Superleggera page).
In this sequence, the AMR plays the role of bridge: it elevates the DB11 V12’s performance and road-holding while preserving its grand touring brief. Once the DBS was presented, it naturally took over as the two-door flagship above the AMR, confirming the strategic timing.
Note that only the V12 received the AMR treatment, while the DB11 V8 (from AMG) followed its own path without a dedicated AMR version (source: DB11 page in English and in English). A clear way to reserve the AMR crest for the DB11’s most exalted expression.
To position the AMR relative to its forebears and successors, also see our take on the 2007 DBS, a turning point towards very high-performance GTs and on the DB12 and its S version, a new chapter in Super Tourers.
Conclusion — whether to choose the DB11 AMR on the used market
The DB11 AMR stands apart from the standard DB11 V12 via three concrete levers: +30 PS (630 PS) and sharper engine management, a recalibrated suspension with input from Aston Martin Racing, and dedicated aerodynamics that stabilise the car at high speed. Together they create a GT that’s more precise and cohesive as the pace rises, without betraying the lineage’s underlying comfort.
For a savvy buyer, the DB11 AMR earns its premium if the brief is dynamic appeal and the rarity of its specific finishes. If the goal is the absolute pinnacle, the DBS Superleggera takes the baton from mid‑2018. But for those seeking the blend of DB11 elegance and added acuity, the DB11 AMR remains the most desirable twin-turbo V12 in that grand touring spirit.
Useful sources: the official media portal media.astonmartin.com for 2018 announcements, and the summary pages for the DB11 in English and the DB11 in French for technical and range context.
