Aston Martin recently announced that its DB11 model will now be available with the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine from Mercedes-AMG, the very first collaboration between the two brands.

The V8 engine produces 503 hp compared to 600 hp from the existing 5.2-litre twin turbocharged V12, but it still propels the car from 0-100 km/h in 4 seconds, which is just 0.1 second less than the V12 version, before reaching a top speed of over 300 km/h. The V8-powered DB11 weighs 1,860 kg and 114 kg less than the V12 version, which explains the similar performance between the two.

The Aston Martin team has tailored the V8 engine from AMG with a bespoke air intake, exhaust and wet sump lubrication system. Overall the DB11 V8 variant offers a different dynamic character, plus a more agile and sportier drive than the V12 with revised suspension and ESP systems. The differences are more subtle visually, with the V8 option having a unique alloy wheel finish, dark headlight bezels and two hood vents instead of four featured on the V12.