Aston Martin’s DB series of cars is indubitably the most iconic and longest-running nameplate in the annals of the iconic brand’s history. It serves as a prestigious home to legendary machines, including James Bond’s favorite DB5. This celebrated line of cars gained its name from David Brown, the English machine tools manufacturer who revived Aston Martin post World War II. The latest legacy bearer of the series is the all-new Aston Martin DB12, introduced for the 2024 model year. Until then, the DB11 used to be the brand’s ultimate Grand Tourer. The DB11 is a dazzling machine, flaunting debonair aesthetics and powered by a choice of two formidable powertrains. Here we scrutinize a unique limited iteration of the DB11, the 2021 Aston Martin DB11 Volante Shadow Edition. The Volante moniker in the name of an Aston Martin signifies that it is the convertible iteration of the car. The DB11 Volante Shadow Edition is a cosmetically enhanced special edition of the car, limited to just 300 units. Sold as a 2021 model year vehicle, the Shadow Edition was also exclusively paired with the base (still exceptionally spirited) V8 motor of the DB11. Exotic Car Trader has composed this 2021 Aston Martin DB11 Volante Shadow Edition Review giving immense attention to detail. Here’s everything you need to know about this limited edition open-top Aston Martin grand tourer.
After World War II, Aston Martin was sailing through rough financial waters. The one who came to the rescue was David Brown, the owner of Huddersfield Gear and Machine Tools. David Brown Limited acquired both Aston Martin and Lagonda and placed them under the control of his company’s tractor group. The following year, Aston Martin started production of their first sports car under the new ownership. It was officially called the Aston Martin 2-Litre Sports, although this classic sports car can be considered the first-ever DB car. The first car to be officially engraved with the DB appellation was the DB2, which followed up the 2-Litre Sports in 1950. The DB2 was later on upgraded and called the Aston Martin DB2/4 which was subsequently succeeded by the DB Mark III. Next in line was the DB4, which switched the series to an all-new platform. The most iconic car of the lineup was yet to arrive, Agent 007’s favorite DB5, which brought the series to its zenith of glory. The DB6 built on the DB5 as a meliorative upgrade while also switching to a fastback body style. The next number of the DB series arrived after a sabbatical of 22 years. The new DB7 was built on the Jaguar XJS platform, while both the brands were under Ford’s ownership. The DB7 can be considered the first modern car of the series, and it was also the first to be offered with a V12 motor. It was superseded by the DB9 in 2005 which was exclusively powered by a V12. The generation in discussion, a.k.a. the DB11, made its appearance in 2017. It was the first DB car to be powered by a Mercedes-sourced V8 engine, which was offered along with an Aston Martin V12. Before being dethroned 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 Volante Shadow Edition, this V8-powered grand tourer’s production was limited to just 300 units.
The DB11 was offered in both V8 and V12 variants. However, the drop top Volante was exclusively powered by the V8 powertrain. Under its hood, the 2021 Aston Martin DB11 Volante Shadow Edition holds the same Mercedes-AMG-sourced 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine as the regular V8 DB11. This fervent motor cranks out a maximum output of 503 horsepower and 513 lb-ft of torque. An 8-speed automatic transmission is entrusted with the task of sending all that vigor exclusively to the rear wheels of the car. The DB11 Shadow Edition is capable of sprinting to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds. Furthermore, it was extolled by Car And Driver for its impressive power delivery and the non-existence of turbo lag. The car weighs 4,134 lbs and is capped at a top speed of 187 mph. The DB11 Volante Shadow Edition ticks all the right boxes of a GT car with enough power, impressive handling, and compliant ride quality. If you’re wondering about fuel economy, the Aston Martin DB11 Volante V8 returns an EPA-certified combined fuel efficiency of 20 MPG, which is applicable to the Shadow Edition too.
The DB11 Volante Shadow Edition stands out from its regular counterpart with its dark-themed interior and unique accents. The Shadow Edition sill plates with a black anodized finish are a signature trait of the car. A chrome jewelry pack is also standard, along with a unique set of paddle shifters, and a lot of blacked-out elements. The standard sports seats are sheathed in a graceful combination of Obsidian Black leather and lush Pure Black Alcantara. Aston Martin also allowed customers to match the contrasting stitching of the upholstery to the brake calipers' color, which could be configured in gray, red, or yellow. Apart from these exquisite touches, the rest of the Shadow Edition’s cabin is identical to the regular 2021 Aston Martin DB11. This translates to the car having a fabulous cabin, intricately crafted out of world-class materials and lustrous elements.
Its black-themed exterior is the most singularizing feature of the DB11 Volante Shadow Edition. For starters, all the badges and logos are finished in Polished Black, while the hood vents come painted in Gloss Black. The dark treatment doesn’t stop there, as multiple body parts including the front grille, the rearview mirrors, and the rear diffuser have also been blacked out. The side profile is festooned with a set of Gloss Black 20-inch directional alloy wheels, adding to the obsidian appeal of the Shadow Edition. Surprisingly, exterior paint choices aren’t limited to black. There are six hues to choose from - Divine Red, Magnetic Silver, Onyx Black, Sabiro Blue, Stratus White, and Xenon Grey. The DB11 Volante Shadow Edition is a sportier, stealthier iteration of the flamboyant Aston Martin grand tourer. Its midnight-themed aesthetics give the elegant roadster a meaner, more menacing mien. The DB11 Volante Shadow Edition undoubtedly stands out as one of the most beautiful Aston Martins among the ones listed for sale on Exotic Car Trader.
An 8-inch LCD screen acts as the central infotainment unit of the 2021 Aston Martin DB11 Volante Shadow Edition. Identical to the regular 2021 DB11, this screen surprisingly isn’t touch-sensitive. It can be operated via a rotary controller or a touchpad located on the center console. Bluetooth connectivity and satellite radio along with a 400-watt audio system are part of the standard equipment. Don’t even think about Android Auto or Apple CarPlay integration, as the car doesn’t even get a touchscreen. Two premium audio systems were offered by Aston Martin, a 700-watt in-house system or a 1000-watt Bang & Olufsen unit. While there are plenty of tech-loaded exotics listed for sale on Exotic Car Trader, this Aston Martin is more of a harmony of breathtaking performance, indulging sumptuousness, and ethereal aesthetics.
The Aston Martin DB11 Volante Shadow Edition was exclusive for the 2021 model year, bearing a starting price tag of $222,600. This figure was around $20,000 higher than the base V8 model of the DB11. However, this number skyrocketed expeditiously with the addition of optional extras. Paying such a steep price for what essentially is an Aston Martin DB11 with black accents might seem extravagant. However, the added premium is also rewarded with exclusivity and collectivity. Production of the DB11 Shadow Edition was limited to 300 units, which includes both the coupe and Volante variants. All of these cars would be sold out by now, and it is currently too soon to assume the current average market value of this special edition. However, if you’re seeking a buyer for your DB11 Volante Shadow Edition or any rare exotic for that matter, contact Exotic Car Trader right away for a fluid and effortless selling experience.
The 2021 Aston Martin DB11 Volante Shadow Edition is simply a regular DB11 with a midnight accent pack. Or is it? Even while this cosmetic upgrade gives the Shadow Edition a more furious visage, it is the collectivity associated with the car that makes it even more special. On the outside, the Shadow Edition is accentuated by an obsidian accent pack comprising body parts, logos, and badges finished in black. Its flamboyant cabin is swathed in a combination of sumptuous black leather and lush Alcantara. The DB11 Shadow Edition’s sole power source option is a Mercedes-AMG-sourced 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Dashing to 60 mph takes just 3.9 seconds, and the car is capped at a top speed of 187 mph. The DB11 Volante Shadow Edition isn’t the fastest DB11 you can buy, as it wasn’t offered with the top-of-the-line twin-turbo V12 motor. However, it is more than fast enough, and the fact that only 300 units of this sinister DB11 were produced makes it an exclusive proposition. Also, acquiring exotic machines and collectibles isn’t an arduous task as you might think. Exotic Car Trader has simplified and streamlined the process of buying high-end automobiles online into a facile endeavor. Contact Exotic Car Trader now to get your hands on the automotive masterpiece of your dreams. The 2021 Aston Martin DB11 Midnight Edition is a one-of-a-kind collectible iteration of the prestigious grand tourer. It is a seraphic beauty propelled by a potent powertrain, endowed with exceptional driving dynamics, and limited to 300 units.
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