tko211, I think this was what telum was referring to.

 

BTW, I'm supposed to head to my dealer tomorrow for a look at some sneak peak photos and the chance to pre-order a DB11. I'll report back on the rest of the car. Sure I won't get to take any pics of the pics, but will give a report on thoughts on the rest of the car's looks.

 

Should I explain to tko211 that the photo that I posted is a photo of an R8 (prior style)... and that the photo was an effort to explain that (in my opinion) the bonnet/hood on the R8 was clamshell style?

 

lol you, sir, are not wrong!

 

Very rare you'll find a bonnet that extends to the front most of a sports type car now in a new model design...the Vanquish managed to do this but had to have the grill designes with spring clips..think rules have changed to since..

All for pedestrian impact laws in UK.. I'm sure N.A will adopt similar too..

Hence the clashes bonnet..

 

They make working on the engine easier because you have more unrestricted access.

 

Totally funny! I missed that completely! I was just looking at the two photos that were linked and automatically assumed that some reporter accidentally attached that second image thinking it was to be passed off as the under hood of the DB11.

I was like what the hell is wrong with these fellow Aston Guys! how could they see there was no motor there, the proportions were all off, the headlights were not even in the same place or close in design… I was like- are these guys seriously thinking this is an Aston?!!! Too funny- I had a long day by the way. .

The new DB looks pretty though!

 

Since this thread has been hijacked into a opinions on clam shell hoods, I'll say I think they are cool.

Question though, does it have to be front hinged to be a clam shell hood?

I like the style on the Macan. Opening from the windshield cowl always seemed to make access easier. This coming from a guy who pretty much needs to take the car to the shop for anything more involved than filling his windshield fluid and topping off the engine coolant.

 

Based on the earlier "concept" art, mule spy shots, etc. and now this, I say WELL DONE!

I'm happy to finally see some One-77 lineage: aggressive wide grill, powerful haunches, creased contour lines.

The headlight shape now makes sense and informs/responds to the sculpting of the entire front half of the car. Cant wait to see the whole thing and the interior.

This styling direction looks like it will carry on the legacy of "the most beautiful car on the road" very well. Add in the AMG power and electronics partnership and I'm suddenly feeling much better about the future of my favorite auto maker.

The only downside (and indication of great new design direction), all of the current Aston models are about to be made to look dated. But a good problem to have in my book.

 

Dated? Not so sure about that. I'm sure there'll be lots of people who prefer the current DB9, inside and out, as compared to this. Especially since it has some kind of floating iPad type thing, we are being told.

Regarding the clamshell; this one does hinge in the front. Which would allow the headlamps to be bolted to the bonnet instead of the body. Having them stay with the body would make aligning the cutouts in the bonnet pretty tricky, I would imagine. So, I'm betting the lights move with the bonnet.

 

I'm not saying that "dated" = bad. But Aston desperately needed a look to differentiate the new cars, and I think they've arrived. While I like the current Vanquish, it wasn't enough of a departure to really establish a new look. Would you argue that a Ferrari 430 doesn't look dated? Perhaps. Maybe we have different vocabularies. I still think the 430 is a beautiful car, but the 458 made an aggressive new statement and reignited consumer and fan interest. That's what I see this new styling for Aston doing.

Yeah, those lights are attached to the bonnet. No idea where it pivots. Don't really care.

 

I think if the current generation of Astons looks dated, it'll be in pictures only. In person, the cars have too much presence to be dated so easily.

I think the DB9 made the DB7 look dated because the DB9 was an evolution of the design, and the DB7 had a bit of resemblance to a Jaguar. But it looks like the DB11 is enough of a different design that it won't affect the DB9 so much (same with how the 458 didn't make the 430 look dated - different enough design).

 

Just came from the DB11 presentation from the factory at my local dealer. I signed a confi on the car, so not too much I can say comfortably except that:

1. I feel design is evolutionary yet very fresh. Very nice looking car.

2. I feel like they did a nice job staying true to Aston roots with the styling.

3. It seems power will bring this car in line with some competitors

4. I can't wait to drive one!!!

5. Interior shots are stunning!


That's about all I can without violating what I signed. No secrets I suppose.

 

Thanks for the insight Charley! I love everything about... the TTV12, the fresher design language and the mercedes electronics will put the brand back on its feet.

 

One other thing to add. The Sound clips...the Turbo hasn't taken away from the great sound of the V12. Can't say that about every Turbo out there (namely BMW's M4, which sounds good with the radio adding feedback, but lame without).