The DB series is the quintessence of the Aston Martin lineup and the longest-running model in the brand’s history. There aren’t many legendary marques as mythical and indelible as Agent 007’s favorite DB cars. The DB series gets its name from David Brown, the English machine tools manufacturer who rejuvenated the Aston Martin brand post World War II. Aston Martin recently unveiled the latest scion of the DB throne, the DB12. It replaces the DB11, which used to be the brand’s Grand Touring champion until 2023. Today we dissert about a rather special iteration of the DB11, the 2021 Aston Martin DB11 Shadow Edition. Limited to just 300 units and hallmarked by some blacked-out visual enhancements, the DB11 Shadow Edition is simply a cosmetically unique special edition. Offered only with the base, (but not so basic) 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 motor, the DB11 Shadow Edition warranted a premium of $222,600 when it was introduced in 2020. Exotic Car Trader has conscientiously formulated this comprehensive Aston Martin DB11 Shadow Edition Review. We have delved deep and dissected every pivotal aspect of the car with laser focus. Here’s everything you need to know about the Aston Martin DB11 Shadow Edition.
Back in 1947, post World War II, Aston Martin was enmeshed in a financial exigency. David Brown, the owner of Huddersfield Gear and Machine Tools, was the one who emerged as the British brand’s savior. David Brown Limited bought Aston Martin and Lagonda and put them under the control of his company’s tractor group. Right after the acquisition, in 1948, Aston Martin began production of their first sports car under the new ownership, dubbed the Aston Martin 2-Litre Sports. Although not officially called the DB1, this classic sports car can be considered the first-ever DB car. Followed by the 2-Litre Sports in 1950, Aston Martin introduced the DB2, the first car to be officially engraved with the DB appellation. The DB2 was supplanted by an upgraded version of the car, named the Aston Martin DB2/4 which was later on superseded by the DB Mark III. With the arrival of the DB4, the series switched to a new platform, while the James Bond starrer DB5 was the car that brought the series to its apogee of splendor. The DB6 was an incremental update to the DB5 which switched to a fastback body style. After a 22-year hiatus, the DB7, built on the Jaguar XJS platform, entered the arena as a new and modern car in 1994. It was the first car in the series to be offered with a V12 motor while the DB9 that replaced it was a V12-only machine. The DB9 was dethroned by the DB11 in 2017, the first DB car to be powered by a Mercedes-sourced V8 engine, along with an Aston Martin V12. Before being eclipsed by the DB12 for the 2024 model year, Aston Martin introduced a special edition of the DB11 in 2020, as a 2021 model year car. Dubbed the 2021 Aston Martin DB11 Shadow Edition, this model was powered exclusively by the Mercedes V8 and limited to 300 units.
While the DB11 was available in both V8 and V12 variants, the Shadow Edition was solely offered with the V8 powertrain. The 2021 Aston Martin DB11 Shadow Edition is identical to the regular V8-powered DB11 in terms of power figures and performance. The Mercedes-AMG-sourced 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 motor is capable of pumping out 503 horsepower and 513 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, this vigorous motor sends power to the rear wheels. Although not as sonorous as Aston Martin’s twin-turbo V12, the twin-turbo V8 is puissant and spirited. It enables the DB11 to gallop to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, just 0.3 seconds slower than the V12-powered DB11. Car and Driver had exalted the DB11 V8 for delivering power right off idle, without even a hint of turbo lag. The DB11 Shadow Edition Coupe weighs 3,891 lbs and is capable of achieving a top speed of 187 mph. If you’re wondering about fuel economy, the Aston Martin DB11 V8 returns an EPA-certified combined fuel efficiency of 20 MPG, which also applies to the Shadow Edition.
Aston Martin differentiates the DB11 Shadow Edition from its regular counterpart by endowing it with a blacked-out interior. The cabin is accentuated by a chrome jewelry pack, uniquely tailored paddle shifters, and a lot of black treatment. The standard sports seats are covered in supple Obsidian Black leather and luscious Pure Black Alcantara. Furthermore, the contrasting stitching of the upholstery can be matched with the brake calipers' color, which can be configured in gray, red, or yellow. On top of that, the black anodized Shadow Edition sill plates are also a signature flair. Apart from these differentiating factors, the rest of the Shadow Edition’s interior is identical to the regular 2021 DB11. This isn’t underwhelming at all, because the DB11 flaunts a flamboyant cabin crafted out of exquisite materials and sheening elements.
The exterior of the DB11 Shadow Edition gets more of the darkness treatment. Striking exterior elements include gloss black hood vents, polished black chrome wings, and script badges. The front grille is blacked out, along with the rearview mirrors and rear diffuser. An optional pack allows customers to spec the upper glasshouse and many other body-colored panels in Gloss Black. 20-inch directional alloy wheels adorning the side profile are also finished in Gloss Black. However, exterior paint options aren’t limited to any specific shade of black. Aston Martin offered six exterior shades to choose from including Divine Red, Magnetic Silver, Onyx Black, Sabiro Blue, Stratus White, and Xenon Grey. All in all, the Shadow Edition swaps out a bit of elegance from the DB11, replacing it with added sportiness. Amidst the versatile array of Aston Martin listings on Exotic Car Trader, the 2021 DB11 Shadow Edition is sure to be one of the most menacing beasts.
Tech features in the 2021 Aston Martin DB11 Shadow Edition are identical to that of its regular variant. The central infotainment system consists of an 8-inch LCD screen, which surprisingly isn’t a touchscreen unit. It can be operated via a rotary controller or a touchpad on the center console. Bluetooth connectivity and a 400-watt audio system are included as standard, along with satellite radio. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay aren’t even on the options list, but it is obvious because the car doesn’t even get a touchscreen. There are two optional premium audio systems to choose from, a 700-watt system from Aston Martin or a 1000-watt Bang & Olufsen unit. There are plenty of tech-loaded exotics listed for sale on Exotic Car Trader. However, this Aston Martin is focused more on the driving experience and interior opulence.
The 2021 Aston Martin DB11 Shadow Edition was priced just above $222,600, which was around $20,000 more than the base V8 model. This price soared up easily with the addition of options. This pricing seemed quite steep for simply a dark-themed Aston Martin DB11. However, that premium was also for the exclusivity and collectivity gained by the customers. Only 300 units of the Shadow Edition were ever produced, including both coupe and convertible variants, and all of these would be sold out by now. The current average market value of the DB11 Shadow Edition isn’t available yet. If you’re seeking a buyer for your rare exotic, contact Exotic Car Trader right away for a seamless selling experience.
The 2021 Aston Martin DB11 Shadow Edition is essentially a regular DB11 with blacked-out accents. However, this cosmetic upgrade makes the Shadow Edition visually stunning and gives it a more vicious demeanor. The exterior of the Shadow Edition is highlighted by a sinister accent pack, consisting of blacked-out body parts, logos, and badges. On the inside, supple black leather and velvety Alcantara dominates the artfully designed cabin. Under the hood, a Mercedes-AMG-sourced 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 is the only engine option, which comes mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. 0-60 takes only a dashing 3.9 seconds, and top speed is limited to 187 mph. The DB11 Shadow Edition isn’t the fastest iteration of the Grand Tourer, but exclusivity plays an important part in giving this special edition Aston Martin its cachet. Limited to 300 units, the Shadow Edition is a car worth collecting. Procuring exotic collectibles might seem like a strenuous task. Fret not because Exotic Car Trader has got you covered. We have now simplified the process of buying high-end automobiles online into just a walk in the park. Contact Exotic Car Trader now to get your hands on your automotive dream child. The 2021 Aston Martin DB11 Midnight Edition is a singular variant of the British Grand Touring masterpiece. It is powered by a potent motor, is engaging to drive, looks more aggressive than the regular DB11, and is a worthy collector’s item.
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