DB9 Coupe
The DB9 is the worthy successor to the most successful Aston Martin model in the company's history, the DB7. The DB9 is produced at Aston Martin's new state-of-the-art facility in Gaydon, Warwickshire.
Power comes from a 450bhp all aluminum 6.0L V12. A new crankshaft, cams, manifolds, lubrication, and engine management, all contribute to more power and torque over the DB7 engine. 80 percent of the 570Nm of torque is available at just 1500 rpm. Top speed is 186 mph, with an 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds.
A rear transaxle and cast aluminum torque tube is used to help achieve a 50:50 front/rear weight ratio, resulting in exceptional handling and control. A carbon-fiber driveshaft is fitted to reduce rotational inertia, driveline noise and flex.
Two transmissions are available: a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed paddle-controlled automatic. The automatic utilizes a shift-by-wire technology, eliminating the traditional gearshift cluster and allowing for either paddle-shifting or fully automatic driving.
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), and latest generation ABS brakes all keep things in line at speed. The instrument pack features new Organic Electroluminescent Display (OEL) technology for higher resolution (rather than standard LED). Gauge dials are aluminum, with micro-perforations allowing the warning lamps to shine through.
Chassis construction is based upon technology pioneered on the V12 Vanquish. The DB9 is the first Aston using VH-platform technology. This bonded aluminum build method results in a frame 25% lighter than a DB7, but with twice the torsional rigidity. Advanced ultrasonic welding is used in constructing the frame. This technique bonds metal together at the molecular level, resulting in welds 90% stronger than conventional spot-welds but without contamination, a first in the automotive industry.
Among all of this new technology remains the soul of an Aston Martin. Over 200 hours goes into the building of each DB9, with the long-experienced hands of true craftsmen hand-building each car to its owner's specifications.
