The Aston Martin DB9 was first introduced in 2004 and has remained largely unchanged since, making it essentially 8-years old. To Aston’s credit, this ‘new’ 2013 DB9 has been given a going-over in the exterior and interior styling, performance, as well as having had some tweaks done to the chassis.
Starting in front, the 2013 Aston Martin DB9 has been given a new set of headlights that are more slender than before and bring it in line with those of the Rapide and new Vanquish. The bumper and bonnet have also been revised, incorporating a new grille that’s inspired by the One-77 supercar, a more pronounced splitter, as well as a set of bonnet vents. Deeper side skirts, new side mirrors and classic Aston Martin details, like the now elongated side strakes with LED indicators, mark the updates to the car’s profile, while the rear continues to be characterised by a low and wide stance with bold haunches, a boot spoiler and clear LED tail lights.
Updates to the interior include improved materials and optional lightweight sports seats, which are 17 kg lighter than the regular items. A reversing camera is also available, along with a carbon fibre trim package and a leather headliner. Glass switchgear is used throughout the new DB9′s interior, adding to the higher-luxury effect of the 2013 model’s upgrades.
Beneath the skin, the 2013 DB9 is powered by the brand’s familiar 6.0-litre V12 powerplant. The engine has been tweaked to produce thirty more kilowatts, taking power from 350 to 380 kW. Torque has also been increased slightly from 600 to 620 Nm. The increased power has been achieved with a revised cylinder block and head design, enlarged throttle bodies, an upgraded fuel pump, together with a revised intake manifold. The power ensures the DB9 rockets from 0 – 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and onto a Vanquish-equaling top speed of 295 km/h. Power is channeled through a ‘Touchtronic 2′ 6-speed paddle-shift transmission together with a limited-slip differential and 20-inch alloy wheels.
The car’s running gear has also been fettled with for improved dynamics. The engine has been positioned slightly lower to the ground, which bodes well for handling, while new carbon ceramic brakes from Brembo are 12.5 kg lighter than before, making for less wheel inertia and steering response. Aston’s lastest Adaptive Damping System (ADS) has also been fitted, giving drivers three settings to choose from: Normal, Sport and Track. The ADS is paired with dynamic stability control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, emergency brake assist and traction control.
The Aston Martin Virage has ceased production with immediate effect. Andy Haslam, DB9 product manager, says “Taking the best elements of Virage, adding important new upgrades and combining these with the iconic DB9 nomenclature we have created a compelling new Sports GT that sits proudly at the very heart of the Aston Martin sports car range,”
The new DB9 will go on sale in Europe in November, with local availability and pricing yet to be announced.
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