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Innovating
an Icon
The Aston Martin DB9 blends splendid performance and superb
styling.
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How
do you replace an icon? That was the challenge facing Aston
Martin when it launched the DB9, replacing the legendary DB7
— also known as “the James Bond car.” Their
approach embraces the contradictory tension between creativity
and discipline, and the result is simply spine tingling.
State-of-the-art technology places the DB9 firmly in the twenty-first
century while its classic design pays homage to the Aston
Martin tradition of elegance and beauty. Produced in the company's
new facility in Gaydon, Warwickshire, the DB9 is truly a great
sports car. It combines beauty, power and performance in one
soul-stirring package that is available as a classic two-seat
coupé or convertible (Volante) with 2 + 2 seating.
The car's clean lines make it appear as if it had been
sculpted from one solid piece of aluminum. From the distinctive
Aston Martin grille to its rear wings, the DB9 presents a
subtle, graceful “sweep.” Superb engineering is
concealed within this elegant profile; the lightweight aluminum
V12 engine is positioned as far back as possible, and 85 percent
of the car's mass is balanced between the front and
rear wheels to deliver incredible handling.
Aston Martin maintains that the advanced aluminum structure
of the body frame is one of the most structurally efficient
in the car industry. Designed to enhance handling and safety,
this is the component that delivers outstanding “driver
feedback” along with extraordinary nimbleness and responsiveness.
Built to provide a deliciously rich driving experience, the
DB9 is a perfect blend of luxury and high performance. The
elegant cabin features hand-trimmed leather and wood and a
clean design that plays down the technology to create a sleek
minimalist look. As in any classic sports car, the seats are
set close to the DB9's center of gravity and adjust
ten ways for complete comfort.
While a six-speed manual transmission is available, most drivers
will probably opt for the six-speed “Touchtronic 2”
automatic with shift-by-wire technology and unique dashboard-mounted
controls for park, reverse, neutral and drive modes. For a
more “authentic” driving experience, magnesium
alloy paddles placed behind the steering wheel deliver rapid
F1-style fingertip gear changing.
Bond would approve.
Specifications: Engine: All-alloy quad overhead
cam 48 valve, 6.0-liter dohc V12 delivers 450 bhp. Performance:
Coupé accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds;
Volante, from zero to 60 in 4.9 seconds; top speed is 186
mph. Transmission: Available in automatic six-speed “Touchtronic
2” or six-speed manual. Features: Xenon gas discharge
projector headlamps, organic electroluminescent displays,
heated rear screen, Linn 128-watt radio with optional upgrades
and 6-CD changer, electronic brakeforce distribution and emergency
brake assist, dynamic stability control, traction control
and automatically deployed roll-over bars. |
ELIZABETH
HILTS
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