Aston Martin DB9 Overview:
The Aston Martin DB9 made its world debut at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show as the first car to be produced at the company's new Gaydon facility in Warwickshire, England. Sales began in 2004, and the Aston DB9 has since become the highest-selling Aston of all time, with more than 10,000 units in the hands of owners. In 2008, the DB9 got an overhaul to engine and chassis to improve power and handling in the coupe (hardtop) and Volante (convertible) models.
Powerplant: Engine and Transmission:
The Aston Martin DB9 has alloy quad overhead cam (QOHC?) 6L V12 engine mounted in the mid-engine position. The six-speed transmission is available as an automatic with "Touchtronic 2" shift-by-wire system or manual. When you put it all together, the car has 470 bhp and 443 lb-ft of torque, with a top speed of 190 and a 0-60 time of 4.6 seconds. That 20 hp more than the original DB9, and .3 seconds shaved of the 0-60 time.
The Shell: Body, Wheels, Brakes:
The Aston Martin DB9 coupe and Volante both have two doors and four seats, making it a 2+2 body style, with or without the top. The chassis is composed of extruded aluminum with aluminum and composite panels. Standard Bilstein dampers are part of the suspension upgrades on the DB9. Also standard is a new five-bar grille instead of the old seven-bar. Behind the 19" wheels (which are available in several styles) are ventilate grooved steel disc brakes. The DB9 also has stability control, traction control, emergency brake assist, electronic brake distribution, tire pressure monitoring, and ABS for good measure.
Interior: It's What's Inside that Counts:
The refinement of the Aston Martin DB9's interior can be seen in the full-grain leather upholstery and walnut trim. The heated seats are 10-way adjustable, so luckily there's a memory function, because you'd never get it right twice. The nav system is hard-drive based, and satellite radio is standard. The trunk is fitted with an umbrella, and the manual transmission version is fitted with a pen. The Volante has an improved, quieter mechanism and a layer of Thinsulate to protect against chills and noise while the top is up. The Volante also has a rollbar that deploys in case of an accident.
Dimensions: The Aston Martin DB9 by the Numbers:
Length: 185.5 inches (15.5 feet)
Width: 74 inches
Height: 50 inches
Wheelbase: 108 inches
Curb weight: 3880 pounds (coupe)
Fuel economy: 12 city/19 hwy (auto), 11 city/17 hwy (manual)
