DB11 power upgrade - gearbox question

[drocter81]

Hi All,

Bought my DB11 V12 Launch Edition a couple of weeks ago and it's currently with Aston for its Year 6 service +++

I'm considering the AMR software upgrade for £1k. I appreciate it's a topic that's probably been well covered on this forum, but I have a specific question.

I spoke with a friend who was involved with DB11 development and he suggested, that while there's no appreciable power gain, unless regularly in the 6,500 - 7,000rpm power band, they did a bunch of calibration work to the power delivery, torque shaping and transmission calibration, which makes it drive better. He advised against pursuing independent tuners, who can get close to DBS power, as he is confident it will chew through its gearbox.

Conversely, I spoke with an ex-AM master tech who said he had felt guilty charging customers for the upgrade, as it wasn't good value when compared to independent tuners and the gearbox could easily handle the power, despite not being rated as such.

Do any of you have experience of either option? Any strong opinions either way?

TIA

[DB24]

Hi there, bringing this thread up from the crypt as I just went through this. T

the ZF transmission has been ,in a few iterations, able to comfortably handle substantial power and torque levels that make even the DBS look calm by comparison.

I would certainly not have any concerns about a 700hp tune that pushes torque to 700nm, and would have no reservations of course about the AMR upgrade. This is the max torque rating for the hp75 in our DB11

I did the AMR upgrade to my Ultramarine Black V12 coupe and while it does add a good chunk of hp up top (which you likely won't be able to access in 1st or 2nd lol), I'd say it's worth it for the soundtrack alone. Many people get excited to rip factory exhaust off their cars for something 'louder' (not necessarily better) but to me I dont think that's really necessary for this car, and the stock exhaust is well sorted for size and volumetric efficiency. The AMR upgrade in S and S+ adds a good bit of sound character to the car that you can quickly quieten down with a shift back into GT.

I'd recommend the upgrade - let's be honest we're not talking about a Honda Civic here where the money in question might be questionable to be added to the car for a modest benefit ... but with an Aston and the typical DB11 V12 owner this wont' be life changing money and will bring a bunch of smiles.

Edited by DB24 on Wednesday 10th April 00:14

[drocter81]

Thanks.

I'm seeing a lot of positive reviews for the dealer-sourced AMR upgrade.

It would appear that the ZF box in the DB11 can push a little beyond its maximum torque rating of 700Nm. For example, Vantage V12 5.2 has 753Nm, but apparently it was carefully calibrated to offer it up only in certain gears and with lots of clever torque shaping.

I think I will go for the AMR upgrade, while the car is with the dealer having work done.

[DB24]

drocter81 said:

Thanks.

I'm seeing a lot of positive reviews for the dealer-sourced AMR upgrade.

It would appear that the ZF box in the DB11 can push a little beyond its maximum torque rating of 700Nm. For example, Vantage V12 5.2 has 753Nm, but apparently it was carefully calibrated to offer it up only in certain gears and with lots of clever torque shaping.

I think I will go for the AMR upgrade, while the car is with the dealer having work done.

reaction post to some Sport+ downshifts (and if you get there, top end upshifts

my dealer forgot to affix the engine plate that says AMR but mine says INSPECTED BY ANDY PALMER so I'm fine keeping the original one