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Background of the DB9
The introduction of the DB9 marked the
beginning of Aston Martin's 21st Century renaissance. The first new model to be
built at Aston Martin's headquarters in Gaydon, Warwickshire, and the first to
be built around Aston Martin's rigid, lightweight, bonded aluminum VH
architecture; the DB9 was an immediate and unparalleled success, setting a new
tone for Aston Martins of the future.
Since its launch in 2003 some
12,500 DB9s have been produced and delivered to customers in 34 countries. This
establishes it as the most successful Aston Martin model of all-time (jointly
with the V8 Vantage), surpassing total sales of the DB7. Current DB9 production
volume is around 1,500 cars per year.
Engineering
Since the
DB9's introduction Aston Martin has demonstrated the versatility of the VH
architecture by developing the Vantage, DBS and Rapide model ranges. In the
process Aston Martin's engineers have gained an increasingly detailed
understanding of the VH platform, which in turn has led to the constant
improvement and evolution of existing established models.
In this latest
package of improvements for DB9, hardware changes focus on the chassis,
featuring a standard Adaptive Damping System (ADS) which offers a system
constantly evaluating the optimum damper condition, similar to that seen on the
DBS and Rapide models. Controlled by a button on the centre console, the
two-stage adaptive dampers can be switched between their default mode, which is
optimized for ride comfort, and a firmer sport mode, which delivers tighter body
control and a more responsive feel. Such is the success of the DB9's new damping
system that the DB9 Sport Pack upgrade has now been discontinued. However a
Sport design alloy wheel is available as an option.
Performance comes
courtesy of Aston Martin's celebrated 6.0-liter V12 engine, which develops an
unchanged 470 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a choice of six-speed
'Touchtronic' paddle-shift automatic or six-speed H-pattern manual
transmissions, the DB9 offers an intoxicating blend of effortless pace and
sporting character. A top speed of 190 mph and the ability to hit 60 mph in just
4.6 sec seal its credentials as the definitive 2+2 Grand Tourer.
Improving One of the Most beautiful Cars
Improving upon what many
consider to be one of the most beautiful cars in the world is a delicate
exercise. According to Aston Martin's Director of Design, Marek Reichman,
subtlety and fine attention to detail is the key: "The beauty of an Aston Martin
comes from harmonious proportions, a ground-hugging stance, taut surfacing and a
complete and thorough attention to detail. The DB9 epitomizes these qualities;
it is beautiful but subtle - not attention seeking."
At the front a new
bumper is the main change, with a re-shaped lower intake featuring hexagonal
mesh to compliment the new bright finish radiator grille. New headlamp bezels
complete the fresh nose treatment. In profile the DB9's sill has also been
changed, with a more prominent 'hockey stick' curve ahead of the rear wheels.
Marek Reichman explains: "The DB9 remains one of the world's most beautiful
sports cars and is instantly recognizable as an Aston Martin; the changes we
have introduced here modernize the DB9 to keep it at the forefront of automotive
design."
Other changes include silver brake calipers, 20-spoke diamond
turned alloy wheels as standard, together with new design option wheels and a
bright finish grille. Clear rear light lenses are also standard. Inside Double
Apex alloy finish is now added to the list of options, along with the
exceptional BeoSound audio system from Bang & Olufsen.
Motorsport
Mirroring the
DB9's road-going success, Aston Martin Racing's DBR9 and DBRS9 endurance racers
have proved hugely successful on racetracks around the world. With a total of
some 20 DBR9 and 30 DBRS9s built and delivered to customer teams around the
world, Aston Martins have consistently scored victories in a host of national
and international championships.
Since winning on its race debut, at
Sebring in 2005, the DBR9 has been established as a constant and hugely
competitive car in the GT1 category, scoring back-to-back class victories at the
greatest 24-hour race of them all - Le Mans - in 2007 and 2008.
Aston Martin DB9: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications