A pretty sexy and wonderfully noisy addition to the Aston Martin line-up.
At the heart of Aston Martin DB9 Volante’s appeal is the introduction of the new generation Aston Martin V12 engine.
The new V12 engine takes some of the ‘Gen4’ VH architecture hardware technology developed for Aston Martin’s super GT, the Vanquish, but has been perfectly tuned to suit the character of the DB9. The result is an engine with effortless torque and peak power – significantly improving the cars performance.
With the power up in the latest 13MY model, to 517 bhp from the 6.0-litre V12 and an accompanying 457lb ft. Which translates to pretty impressive figures of: 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 183mph.
The styling changes see the DB9 Volante adopt an even more lithe, fluid and pure form reminiscent of the Aston Martin Virage. Taking a classic Aston Martin GT silhouette as its base, the DB9 adds a more pronounced rear boot ‘flip’ to further enhance the aerodynamic performance of the car.
The exterior design of the DB9 communicates a powerfully assertive yet elegant character. The surfaces display taut lines and subtle muscular forms that point to the underlying power of this renowned Sports GT.
The DB9 13MY boasts a number of important enhancements over the outgoing car’s already impressive inventory. The braking system, for instance, now uses as standard, Carbon Ceramic Matrix discs and calipers supplied by acknowledged global brake experts, Brembo.
While this DB9 offers a refined, comfortable sports GT drive experience, the new carbon brakes provide the confidence and reassurance of reduced brake fade when pressing the car to its sports capability.
Arch-filling 20-inch alloys wheels in a variety of designs, full-grain leather interior, leather sports steering wheel, electrically adjustable Sports seats with side airbags, memory seats and exterior mirrors, satellite navigation, automatic temperature control, trip computer and Organic Electroluminescent (OEL) displays – the DB9 13MY’s list of standard equipment is suitably generous. Additional upgrades can be bought too.
Summarising the significantly enhanced appeal of the DB9 13MY, product manager. Andy Haslam, said: “DB9 has, rightly, been positioned at the hub of our GT segment offerings for some years now. The introduction of this significantly enhanced 13MY car means Aston Martin buyers have a very clear and compelling model line-up from which to choose. Taking the best elements of Virage, adding important new upgrades and combining these with the iconic DB9 nomenclature we have created a compelling new Sports GT that sits proudly at the very heart of the Aston Martin sports car range.”
In summary, the DB9 continues as if not the best-selling or most exotic Aston Martin, then at the very least the pivot point of the range, the centre of focus and the car that must, above all others, define what an Aston Martin should be.
