2007 / 2008 Aston Martin DB9 - CarzUnlimited.com

On sale since 2004, the Aston Martin DB9 superseded the long-lived DB7 Vantage. The DB9 is powered by a 6.0-liter V-12 engine that generates 450 horsepower. Either a conventional six-speed manual gearbox or a button-controlled six-speed automatic can be installed. Aston Martin says the manual-shift DB9 can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds.

The DB9 was the first car to be hand-built at a new state-of-the-art facility in Gaydon, Warwickshire, England. In addition to the coupe, a Volante convertible is also offered.

For 2007, both the Volante and coupe get new seats that incorporate standard head and thorax airbags, dual-stage heating and twin lumbar adjustment. The seats can be programmed to remember three separate settings.

Recent revisions added more cabin stowage, coat hooks, rear parking sensors, cruise control, heated front seats, power-folding side mirrors, an umbrella, a navigation system and Bluetooth capability.

Exterior
A long aluminum hood sits above a familiar Aston Martin grille, and side strakes are located on the front quarter panels. The body panels are aluminum or lightweight composites, while magnesium is used for the steering column and inner doorframes. Locating the gearbox at the rear helps achieve 50/50 weight distribution, and a full undertray reduces lift and drag. The DB9's rear haunches are wide and curvaceous, and its profile features a prominent trunk. "Swan wing" doors rise at a 12-degree angle for easier access.

For 2007, the coupe gains a Sports Pack option that includes new five-spoke aluminum alloy wheels, a revised undertray and a lower ride height. This works with revised dampers and springs and a reworked front anti-roll bar to provide better handling.

The Volante's fabric top folds underneath a hard tonneau cover that sits flush with the bodywork. Sensors can detect a potential rollover and deploy twin roll-hoops. Aston Martin says the windshield pillars can withstand twice the car's body weight.

New for both the Volante and coupe are front parking sensors and LEDs in the door handles as no-cost options.

Interior
The DB9 offers 2+2 seating that features Bridge of Weir leather. Walnut, mahogany or bamboo wood trim is available. The new seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and power, memory mirrors are newly standard for 2007.

The coupe gains more cargo space — now more tha 6.5 cubic feet — because the amplifier, first-aid kit and tire-inflation equipment have been relocated.

To start the engine, the driver must press a clear glass button. The tachometer dial runs counterclockwise and has no redline. Instead, a red warning symbol appears at various engine speeds, depending on ambient temperature and engine mileage. The British firm Linn developed the 950-watt sound system.

Under the Hood
The DB9's 6.0-liter V-12 produces 450 hp and 420 pounds-feet of torque. The ZF six-speed automatic transmission uses buttons to select Drive, Park, Neutral and Reverse. A Touchtronic manual mode permits gear changes using paddles behind the steering wheel. A conventional Graziano six-speed manual gearbox is also available.

While the coupe gains the Sport Pack, the Volante isn't forgotten in the performance area. Its top speed is no longer restricted to 165 mph. Aston Martin says the Volante's maximum speed is 186 mph, the same as the coupe.

Safety
All-disc antilock brakes incorporate electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist. Seat-mounted side-impact airbags and Dynamic Stability Control are standard. For 2007, new seats feature standard occupant-detection sensors, plus head and thorax side airbags.

Driving Impressions
Handling is where the DB9 truly excels, hanging on with passion through swift curves and delivering a civilized experience. Confidence levels reach well beyond the sports-car norm. The suspension follows road contours closely, yet ride comfort is satisfying.

The dashboard is packed with controls. Most markings are clear, but the gauges aren't easy to read.

The V-12 generates a rich exhaust sound. Gear changes are quite easy using the dashboard selector buttons and steering-wheel paddles, and automatic mode does a fine job. After a momentary hesitation to downshift, the DB9 lunges ahead with unbridled force. The new Sport Pack option has not been tested.

Rear headroom is scant and legroom is virtually nonexistent, but the front compartment is roomy enough in a snug, separated cockpit.

Aston Martin ended more than 50 years of production at Newport Pagnell today when the final car to be assembled there, a Vanquish S Ultimate Edition, was driven off the production line by Ken Clarke one of the longest serving employees and a test driver for the company. The company will keep the car.

More than two hundred people, including previous company owners, local dignitaries and Aston Martin employees, both past and present, attended the event to witness the occasion.

Aston Martin will retain a presence in Newport Pagnell through its Works Service Department, which offers servicing, restoration and enhancement of Aston Martins and handles more than 2000 cars annually.

The Newport Pagnell site was purchased by David Brown in 1954 and first used for building Aston Martin bodies. Full production at the site began in 1958 with the DB4 and since then nearly 13,000 cars have been produced at the factory.

In 2003 Aston Martin opened a purpose-built factory at Gaydon, Warwickshire, where a workforce of 1,500 now produces the V8 Vantage, V8 Vantage Roadster, DB9 and DB9 Volante models and will soon be joined by the DBS. Aston Martin produced 7,010 cars last year of which 308 were the Vanquish S produced at Newport Pagnell.

In June 2007 Aston Martin was sold to a consortium led by David Richards, John Sinders, Investment Dar and Adeem Investment, ending almost 20 years of Ford ownership.

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