The DB9 is the first model to be built at Aston Martin's Gaydon facility in Warwickshire, England. The moniker "DB" stems from the initials of David Brown, the owner of Aston Martin for a significant part of its history. The DB9, which was designed by Ian Callum and finished by his successor, Henrik Fisker, superseded the now-discontinued Aston Martin DB7 (also by Callum) which started production in 1994.
OVERVIEW
The Aston Martin DB9 comes in two variants; the coupé and 'Volante' convertible, each producing 470 bhp (350 kW; 477 PS) from a 6.0L V12 engine, originally taken from its sister car the V12 Vanquish. In fact, this V12 engine is why Aston Martin did not call the car the DB8, which could suggest that it has only a V8 engine. One report states that Aston Martin believed that this car was such a huge leap from the Jaguar XJ-S based DB7 that it named it DB9 instead of DB8, which they thought would indicate a gradual evolution. The Gaydon facility's production capacity for the DB9 could allow for approximately five thousand units per year, which is roughly the same production volume as other esteemed sports cars, in particular the Ferrari F430 and Porsche 911 Turbo. The DB9, however, is more often compared against other competitors in its segment: the Ian Callum designed Jaguar XKR, the Volkswagen-produced Bentley Continental GT, the ten-cylinder powered BMW M6, and the AMG variants of the Mercedes-Benz SL. Traditionally being a maker of more exclusive automobiles, CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez assures Aston Martin loyalists that production numbers of the DB9 will be slightly higher than previous models; however, Aston Martin will still retain only a small statistical percentage of the high-end sports car market.
SPECIFICATION
Base Price: £111,000 Coupe; £124,000 Volante convertible
Power: 350 kW (476 PS; 469 bhp) (469 hp) @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 600 N·m (443 lbf·ft) @ 5000 rpm
Weight: 1,760 kg (3,880 lb)
0–60 mph (0–97 km/h): 4.6 seconds
0–100 km/h (0–62 mph): 4.8 seconds
Top Speed: 306 km/h (190 mph)
FEATURES
The DB9 features a 6.0-liter V12 engine producing 470 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, and a torque output of 443 lb-ft at 5,000 rpm. At the same time, the car's six-speed automated manual with a computer controlled clutch has been reprogrammed to allow it to shift faster. These changes combine to make the car three tenths of a second quicker in the 0 to 60 mph sprint, while the six-speed manual cars are only a tenth quicker thanks to a power hike.
In addition to the straight-line performance, handling of the newest DB9 is improved thanks to Bilstein shocks, new suspension arms and bushings, and 19-inch wheels. These suspension upgrades resulted in a sportier ride, while the Volante's (convertible model) ride is made cushier.
The DB9's bumpers are invisible. The front number plate is part of the crash structure and computer modeling has enabled Aston Martin to use invisible 'hard pressure zones' to cope with bumps.
The side strakes - an Aston Martin DB signature - are made from metal. The door handles are flush with the body opening the unique 'swan wing' doors, which rise at a 12-degree angle for improved access.
There are no visible gutters on the roof panel, and no visible drain channels at the front or rear windscreens. Nor are there any plastic 'dressing' plates.
The interior features an elegant center console, finished almost entirely in
die-cast zinc with an iridium finish. What isn't finished in iridium is finished in a mix of high quality leather or one of five different hand-finished wood trims, ranging from Walnut to Piano Black.
die-cast zinc with an iridium finish. What isn't finished in iridium is finished in a mix of high quality leather or one of five different hand-finished wood trims, ranging from Walnut to Piano Black.
The Aston Martin DB9 is also available in a convertible model, designated by the unique Volante name.
