Saturday, January 21, 2012

Aston Martin DB9

range car review by the expert drivers covering comfort, performance, coolness, quality, handing, practicality and running costs.




Aston Martin db9






Aston Martin db9






Aston Martin db9






Aston Martin db9






Aston Martin db9






Aston Martin db9






Aston Martin db9






Aston Martin db9

Mercedes SLS and SL63, three Lamborghini Gallardos, an Audi R8, three Nissan GT-Rs, two Maserati Gran Turismos and rounded off by an Aston Martin DB9




Aston Martin db9






Aston Martin db9




Aston Martin db9

Although there have been several models produced in Aston Martin’s 90-plus-year history, none have been as famous as those with “DB” tattooed to their tails. The Aston Martin DB9 coupe and Volante convertible is in fact the ninth model to be sold with these hallowed letters, and carries on a sterling automotive tradition.



Sold throughout the 1950s and ’60s, and then resurrected in 1994, the DBs were and still are some of the most drop-dead gorgeous and performance-capable sports cars on the road. Numerous examples have also been driven by a certain British super spy, making the words “Aston Martin” and “James Bond” synonymous terms. It could easily be argued that thanks to 007, the Aston Martin and DB names have remained relevant enough to survive through decades of tumultuous financial difficulties.



As such, the Aston Martin DB9 simultaneously represents the brand’s past and future, with sexy styling inspired by (but not copying) previous models and a high-tech aluminum platform that has underpinned every subsequent new Aston. If this success continues, hopefully we can look forward to new DBs for years to come.



Current Aston Martin DB9

The Aston Martin DB9 is offered in 2+2 coupe and convertible body styles. The drop-top version is known as the Volante, which for those who skipped Italian 101 means “flying.” All DB9s are powered by a 6.0-liter V12 that produces 470 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual or six-speed automatic with paddle shifters are available, and both transmissions are located at the rear transaxle for better weight distribution.



The Aston Martin DB9 comes with a healthy options list and a vast selection of customizable color combinations. The Volante’s soft top can be had in seven different colors, while leather is available in so many shades that even Prince could find one that’s too garish. All DB9s come standard with 19-inch wheels, xenon headlamps, an abundance of leather interior trim, a navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity and a premium audio system with six-CD changer, satellite radio and an iPod interface. Aside from the slew of options



Not that it comes as a shock, but this 470-hp, V12-powered GT is a rather fun automobile. The bellowing exhaust and voluptuous low-end power can make this civilized tourer into a heathenish beast with just a touch of the throttle. The DB9 changes directions easily and responds to steering and brake inputs with an immediacy not always associated with big, grand touring coupes. Thanks to its new adaptive suspension, the DB9 delivers a better balance between ride and handling than older DB9s.



Although buying an exotic car with a price tag of more than $100,000 is often a matter of taste, it is hard to argue with the Aston Martin DB9. It may not be as visceral or thrilling as some more sporting entries, but when it comes to motoring down a long stretch of gently bending two-lane motorway, it’s almost impossible to match.



Used Aston Martin DB9 Models

The Aston Martin DB9 was an all-new model for 2005. DB9s made between then and ’08 feature less ergonomically friendly climate, stereo and navigation controls consisting of lower-quality switchgear (there was also an auxiliary audio jack rather than a dedicated iPod interface). This midlife change also saw revised suspension tuning for a better ride, quicker and smoother automatic transmission shifts and greater torsional rigidity for the Volante. Prior to 2009, the DB9′s V12 produced 449 hp and 412 lb-ft of torque, while the manual transmission wasn’t available prior to 2007.



Until 2011, when the current car’s active dampers were added, the coupe was available with a Sports Pack that provided firmer spring, shock and antiroll bar settings. For those with athletic aspirations, this is definitely a worthwhile option to search for.



Although there have been several models produced in Aston Martin’s 90-plus-year history, none have been as famous as those with “DB” tattooed to their tails. The Aston Martin DB9 coupe and Volante convertible is in fact the ninth model to be sold with these hallowed letters, and carries on a sterling automotive tradition.



Sold throughout the 1950s and ’60s, and then resurrected in 1994, the DBs were and still are some of the most drop-dead gorgeous and performance-capable sports cars on the road. Numerous examples have also been driven by a certain British super spy, making the words “Aston Martin” and “James Bond” synonymous terms. It could easily be argued that thanks to 007, the Aston Martin and DB names have remained relevant enough to survive through decades of tumultuous financial difficulties.



As such, the Aston Martin DB9 simultaneously represents the brand’s past and future, with sexy styling inspired by (but not copying) previous models and a high-tech aluminum platform that has underpinned every subsequent new Aston. If this success continues, hopefully we can look forward to new DBs for years to come.



Current Aston Martin DB9

The Aston Martin DB9 is offered in 2+2 coupe and convertible body styles. The drop-top version is known as the Volante, which for those who skipped Italian 101 means “flying.” All DB9s are powered by a 6.0-liter V12 that produces 470 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual or six-speed automatic with paddle shifters are available, and both transmissions are located at the rear transaxle for better weight distribution.



The Aston Martin DB9 comes with a healthy options list and a vast selection of customizable color combinations. The Volante’s soft top can be had in seven different colors, while leather is available in so many shades that even Prince could find one that’s too garish. All DB9s come standard with 19-inch wheels, xenon headlamps, an abundance of leather interior trim, a navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity and a premium audio system with six-CD changer, satellite radio and an iPod interface. Aside from the slew of options



Not that it comes as a shock, but this 470-hp, V12-powered GT is a rather fun automobile. The bellowing exhaust and voluptuous low-end power can make this civilized tourer into a heathenish beast with just a touch of the throttle. The DB9 changes directions easily and responds to steering and brake inputs with an immediacy not always associated with big, grand touring coupes. Thanks to its new adaptive suspension, the DB9 delivers a better balance between ride and handling than older DB9s.



Although buying an exotic car with a price tag of more than $100,000 is often a matter of taste, it is hard to argue with the Aston Martin DB9. It may not be as visceral or thrilling as some more sporting entries, but when it comes to motoring down a long stretch of gently bending two-lane motorway, it’s almost impossible to match.



Used Aston Martin DB9 Models

The Aston Martin DB9 was an all-new model for 2005. DB9s made between then and ’08 feature less ergonomically friendly climate, stereo and navigation controls consisting of lower-quality switchgear (there was also an auxiliary audio jack rather than a dedicated iPod interface). This midlife change also saw revised suspension tuning for a better ride, quicker and smoother automatic transmission shifts and greater torsional rigidity for the Volante. Prior to 2009, the DB9′s V12 produced 449 hp and 412 lb-ft of torque, while the manual transmission wasn’t available prior to 2007.