2017 Aston Martin DB11
While other luxury brands may be all about seeking attention with pomp and circumstance, weekly press releases, and celebrity endorsements; Aston Martin just keeps plugging away and doing their own thing, on their own terms. That means all-new cars are few and far between, and worthy of celebration all on their own. So let’s get the party started with this all-new DB11!
People seem to forget that the Aston-Martin brand has been in the biz for over a hundred years, and while they aren’t necessarily changing the way they do things, there are now more new products in the pipeline than at any time in recent memory. And, this 2017 DB11 kicks it off in style.
While there is still a legendary V12 under the hood, and the proportions remain similar to recent Astons, the look is certainly a quick step towards the future. With a modern take on the classic Aston grille, it’s simply a gorgeous car; some staffers even remarking it’s the most beautiful rolling stock they’re eyes have ever seen.
It has the paint finish of a high dollar custom hot rod, simply flawless; and no exterior badging to distract you from its beautiful lines.
What looks to be just trim tacked on to create a floating roof, is actually an Aeroblade that funnels air through the C-pillar for added downforce. There’s no doubt this car looks fantastic from any angle.
And lurking beneath all of those curves is an all-new aluminum chassis; using a mix of pressings, extrusions, and castings, to achieve a new level of stiffness without increasing weight.
Going further “next level” is a new 5.2-liter twin-turbo V12 replacing the DB9’s 5.9-liter naturally-aspirated unit. It’s not only a first for the brand, but the engine is their own design. This twelve delivers 600–horsepower and 516 lb-ft. of torque and can sound as nasty or as quiet as you want it to be. It’s tucked behind the front wheels to help keep weight more centered.
If things in the center stack look familiar, it’s because they were sourced from Mercedes-Benz. The leather and wood surfaces all around it however, are clearly a step above, exuding hand-crafted individuality.
Nestling our commoner hindquarters in those luxurious front seats had us feeling like real high rollers. We didn’t even attempt to cram into the back ones.
You won’t find a shifter in here, rather P, R, N, and D buttons bookending the start button in the center stack.
A full-color 12-inch TFT gauge panel, features unique virtual instruments; but between the big tach right in the center of it, and the large shift paddles behind the wheel, you get a sense that there’s a lot more here than just posh and circumstance.
It may not be the fastest car on the road, but it sure feels like it when you punch the gas. It delivers everything it has right from the get-go, and the 8-speed automatic transmission swiftly puts it to good use. Yet it all happens in an incredibly refined way.
It does feel big behind the wheel, not so much a nimble toss-around toy; but very much like a large, smooth, and very posh mile-eating machine. Aston gives you plenty of options for finding your comfort zone, as you can adjust the suspension independent of the dynamic driving modes.
Even if we don’t really have the roads in this country to get the full appreciation of what the DB11 has to offer, you’ll enjoy the experience no matter what road you find yourself on. It oozes upper crust, but in an inclusive way that makes you want to be a member of whatever club it takes to own one of these.
Priced at $214,820 to start, this kind of luxury motoring costs dearly. But dare we say, it feels very much worth it, feeling more prestigious and a step up from rivals at that price point.
That’s because Aston Martin considers themselves more than just a car company, but a maker of luxury goods. And like any true indulgence item, they’re not necessarily going out of their way to attract new customers; rather keeping those accustomed to breathing this rarified air coming back for more.
The 2017 DB11 is a supremely luxurious and competent product for those who know what to look for in a Grand Touring automobile. A fitting car to usher in a whole new era for a brand that we can’t wait to experience again and again.
Specifications
- Engine: 5.2 liter
- Horsepower: 600
- Torque: 516 lb-ft.
2025 Buick Enclave
Buick’s Biggest Utility Gets More Premium Look, Less Premium Powertrain
Buick is now an all SUV brand with the three-row Enclave sitting at the top of their lineup. And for this all-new third generation, it looks like Buick has finally given it the true flagship treatment it deserves. Reason enough for us to see what else new this posh performer has in store.
Don’t think of this 2025 Buick Enclave as just a new third generation of Buick’s largest three-row SUV, but more of a total reboot for a luxury segment pioneer. Part of that reinvention is swapping out the 3.6-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine, that has been the heart of this large crossover since it arrived on the scene for 2008, for a new 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder.
Though using two fewer cylinders, it rates 18 more horsepower at 328. The gain in torque is even greater, climbing from 266 to 326 lb-ft.
Power from a start and when tooling around town feels pretty good, but you do notice that engine working hard under the hood; there is more engine noise and it’s not as smooth as many competitors who have also made the switch to turbo-four power. Max towing rating remains at 5,000 lbs. The new standard automatic transmission loses a gear, dropping from nine to eight, a simplifying move we applaud. All-wheel drive is a $2,000 option with all trims.
The Enclave rides on the same front-wheel-drive based chassis that supports the Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia. It remains the most luxurious of the three, though all have made big upward strides. And that luxurious feel is very evident inside where things appear special without flaunting it. Materials are vastly improved over the last gen, especially in top Avenir trim which is the choice for most Enclave buyers.
Front seats are very comfy, well suited for long days of highway travel. It’s hard to miss the 30-inch ultra-wide display, similar to Cadillac’s. It is big, but not intimidating as operation is very logical and you can easily configure things as you want them, including bringing the nav screen up full in front of the driver.
Front seats are very comfy, well suited for long days of highway travel.
Between the seats is a very substantial console with lots of storage space and standard wireless phone charging. There is definitely room for full-size adults in all three rows of seating. Big, plush captain’s chairs with all trims for the second row; and a less plush but still comfortable three-place third row.
GM’s Super Cruise has now made it to Buick’s lineup, available as a standalone package for any trim. It remains a favorite of ours for hands-off highway cruising. Despite feeling adequately powered on the street, the Enclave’s turbo-four felt a little out of its element at our Mason Dixon Dragway test track. There was very little jump off the line, just a slow wind up to 60 of 8.0 seconds, with the quarter-mile completed in 16.0 seconds flat at 92 mph.
We could really feel the Enclave’s weight in our handling course, about 150-lbs. over last year, even with less motor under the hood. But there was very little body roll, and no excessive oversteer or understeer. In panic braking runs, there was good feel through the pedal, and solid stops from 60 averaging a fine 111 feet.
To all of our eyes, the Enclave is bigger yet much better looking than before. Now more sophisticated using Buick’s PURE philosophy which emphasizes Purity in design, Unexpected details, Refined finishes, and Exceptional execution.
With all-wheel drive, Government Fuel Economy Ratings are 19 City, 24 Highway, and 21 Combined; we managed a great 24.9 mpg of Regular. That’s a slightly below average Energy Impact Score, consuming 14.2 barrels of oil yearly, with 7.0 tons of CO2 emissions.
No more Essence or Premium Enclaves, as the new gen brings new trim names along with it; the base option now being Preferred which starts at $46,395, and unless you choose white, you’ll be paying extra for all exterior colors. Just a short step from there to the Sport Touring for $48,795, and then a much bigger bounce up to Avenir at $59,395.
With so many big utes now aimed at luxury and near luxury buyers, it’s getting harder and harder for Buick to stand out. Being an all-utility brand, with one of the freshest lineups in the industry, will no doubt help. The 2025 Buick Enclave is a very stylish, well-equipped, well executed large three-row crossover that’s priced right.
Specifications
As Tested
- Engine: 2.5-liter turbo-4
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Horsepower: 328
- Torque: 326 lb-ft.
- EPA: 19 City | 24 Highway | 21 Combined
- 0-60 mph: 8.0 seconds
- 1/4 Mile: 16.0 seconds at 92 mph
- Braking, 60-0 (avg.): 111 feet
- MW Fuel Economy: 24.9 mpg (Regular)