Irvine, California – Reported by Elite Traveler, the private jet lifestyle magazine
Aston Martin revealed full details of the latest major enhancements to its iconic Sports GT car, the luxurious and potent DB9. Appearing hot on the heels of the new Vanquish Super GT, the introduction of 2013 Model Year DB9 gives the British luxury sports car maker the perfect opportunity to further enrich the appeal of its mainstay in the GT sector, with significant developments affecting styling inside and out, plus key changes under the new DB9’s classically beautiful ‘skin.’
The styling changes see DB9 adopt an even more lithe, fluid and pure form reminiscent of the outgoing Aston Martin Virage which ceases production with immediate effect. Taking a classic Aston Martin GT silhouette as its base, the new 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 taught lines and subtle muscular forms that point to the underlying power of this renowned Sports GT. DB9 sits low and wide, visually ‘planting’ the car on the road, communicating a clearly athletic stance. The car’s inherent width is accentuated by the ‘light catcher’ feature which runs from the lower front bumper and continues along the sill of the car creating a chiselled, determined look.
Available from launch in either Coupe or Volante body styles, the 2013 DB9 offers a strong breadth of appeal. Bi-xenon headlamps provide the car with a clear focus, while subtle feature lines run along and underneath the headlamps, visually widening the car. A large lower front grille feeds air into the Carbon Ceramic Braking system – offered as standard equipment – while the front splitter also serves to visually widen the car. For those DB9 buyers in search of an even more sporty appearance there is now a carbon fiber front splitter available as part of the exterior Carbon Pack.
Look a little closer and the true beauty of the DB9’s details becomes apparent. The front grille, for instance – inspired by the design of Aston Martin’s sold-out One-77 hypercar – features five horizontal vanes which are chamfered to create an aerofoil profile. Meanwhile the bonnet vents are authentic zinc with distinctive vanes. These, along with the new grille and pronounced side strakes, are classic Aston Martin design cues.
2013 DB9 also features Aston Martin’s integrated side strake and LED siderepeaters.
The long strake accentuates the lean, long lines of the DB9’s nose. Once again, Aston Martin’s craftsmanship is clearly demonstrated in the use of metal grilles and clean lines of the polished metal castings. At the rear of the car, the DB9’s wide track width and muscular rear haunches clearly communicate the power delivered at the rear wheels.
Power comes courtesy of the new generation AM11 V12 engine. The new V12 takes some of the ‘Gen4’ VH architecture hardware technology developed for Aston Martin’s forthcoming new super GT, the Vanquish, but has been tuned to suit the character of DB9. The result is an engine with effortless torque of up to 457lb.ft (620 Nm) and peak power of 510bhp (517 PS) – increases of 40bhp and 14lb.ft respectively.
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Key features of the AM11 unit include a revised block and new head including dual variable valve timing, enlarged throttle bodies, uprated fuel pump, revised intake manifold and machined combustion chambers. Inside, as out, the revised DB9 becomes yet more elegant and more luxurious. Unmistakably Aston Martin, the Sports GT’s opulently-appointed interior boasts authentic materials and the highest levels of attention to detail.
The 2013 DB9 comes with a stunning leather welt feature first seen on Virage. Inspired by luxury leather goods, the welts have been designed and developed by Aston Martin’s master craftsmen. Requiring meticulous levels of control to hand stitch, and requiring specially-developed manufacturing facilities, the welts are created by sandwiching a narrow strip of leather between two opposing leather seat panels, and fixed using precise stitching.
A further demonstration of Aston Martin’s renowned attention to detail and craftsmanship can be seen in the jewel-like glass switchgear used throughout the interior of the revised DB9. Details such as these glass switches clearly demonstrate the luxury sports car maker’s commitment to the use of authentic, high value materials.
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The 2013 DB9 streamlines Aston Martin’s GT offering providing buyers with a very clear and compelling model line-up from which to choose. The DB9 resides at the very heart of this combining the best elements of the outgoing Virage with important new upgrades and iconic DB9 nomenclature. This is complemented by the four-door Rapide sports car and, at the top of the range, the new Vanquish super GT. The 2013 DB9 is available to order now through Aston Martin’s Americas dealerships with prices starting at $185,400 and first deliveries starting from November 2012.
