DB9

DB9. The Aston Martin DB9 is a grand tourer that was produced by the British luxury car manufacturer from 2004 to 2016. Serving as the successor to the iconic Aston Martin DB7, it was the first model built at the company's then-new facility in Gaydon, Warwickshire. Renowned for its elegant design and advanced bonded aluminium structure, the DB9 established a new benchmark for Aston Martin in terms of performance, luxury, and engineering, becoming a cornerstone of the brand's modern revival.

Overview

Introduced at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Aston Martin DB9 marked a significant evolution from its predecessor, the DB7, by utilizing an entirely new platform known as the VH platform. This architecture, shared with contemporaries like the V8 Vantage, employed advanced materials and construction techniques. The car was offered initially as a coupé and later as a Volante convertible, embodying the quintessential grand tourer ethos of combining high performance with long-distance comfort. Its launch was a pivotal moment for Aston Martin, signaling a new era of technological sophistication under the leadership of Ulrich Bez and with design direction from Henrik Fisker.

Technical specifications

The heart of the Aston Martin DB9 was a naturally aspirated 5.9-liter V12 engine developed in conjunction with Ford's Jaguar and Land Rover divisions. This DOHC powerplant initially produced 450 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. Power was transmitted to the rear wheels via either a six-speed ZF automatic transmission or a six-speed Graziano manual transmission, allowing for a top speed of 186 mph and a 0-60 mph time of approximately 4.6 seconds. The chassis featured an aluminium and composite material construction, with double wishbone suspension at all four corners, Brembo brakes, and lightweight alloy wheels. Later iterations, including the updated DB9 introduced in 2008, saw power increases to 470 and then 510 horsepower.

Design and development

The exterior and interior design of the Aston Martin DB9 was led by Henrik Fisker, then Director of Design at Aston Martin, who created a shape that was both modern and timelessly elegant. The design language, characterized by its prominent grille, sweeping front wings, and distinctive side strakes, drew clear inspiration from the DB7 and the DB4 GT but was executed with a new level of precision. The interior, crafted with Bridge of Weir leather, walnut wood, and aluminium trim, set a high standard for luxury. The development of the VH platform was an engineering milestone, providing exceptional rigidity and lightness, which directly benefited the car's dynamics and was later utilized in models like the DBS and the Rapide.

Production and variants

Production of the Aston Martin DB9 took place at the Gaydon factory, with the Volante convertible model joining the lineup in 2004. Several notable variants were produced throughout its lifespan. These included the more powerful DB9 LM, a limited edition commemorating Aston Martin's class win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The model received a significant facelift in 2008, and a final update in 2012 brought enhanced performance and a revised interior. Special one-off commissions were also created by the Q by Aston Martin division. The DB9's production run concluded in 2016, making way for its successor, the all-new Aston Martin DB11, which debuted at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show.

Reception and legacy

Upon its release, the Aston Martin DB9 was met with widespread critical acclaim. Publications such as *Top Gear* and Autocar praised its blend of stunning design, refined performance, and everyday usability, often comparing it favorably to rivals from Ferrari and Maserati. It won numerous awards, including the prestigious "World's Most Beautiful Car" award from BBC's *Top Gear* television program. The DB9's legacy is profound; it solidified Aston Martin's financial and brand resurgence in the 21st century, provided the foundational architecture for a generation of models, and remains a highly coveted modern classic. Its influence is clearly visible in the design and engineering of every subsequent Aston Martin front-engine grand tourer.

Category:Aston Martin vehicles Category:Grand tourers Category:Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive vehicles