OVERSTEER ROAD TEST: Aston Martin DB9
It has been nearly a decade since Aston Martin replaced the company-saving DB7 with the cutting edge DB9, a car that wowed all who drove it. recently the DB9 has been extensively updated, so we felt it right that we should spend a bit of time with one…
The term ‘Grand Tourer’ has been around for a long time. The idea of a well dressed man or woman, jumping into their long legged luxury coupe or convertible, filling it with holiday essentials and pointing its nose south for the long drive to Monaco or San Moritz, in hope of returning home with a bit of local crumpet!
The Aston Martin DB9 is one such car for the modern jet set extraordinaire. The first generation was unveiled in 2004 and despite a small number of drawbacks, became one of the most evocative machines to leave the factory gates at Gaydon.
In 2011, the Virage name was resurrected and built alongside the DB9 as a mid market option in Aston’s range. However, the Virage didn’t stick around for long, giving the new DB9 sole market dominance and a host of new technology and features. The DB9 you see here is the latest and greatest entry into the country covering GT market and proves itself to be a wonderful package.
Outside
Flipping gorgeous is how one could describe the DB9. Carrying over many details from the Virage was a stroke of genius. It doesn’t matter which way you look at the thing, every line, angle and curve puts Miranda Kerr to shame. Take the front for starters, with its Bi Xenon headlights, front spoiler and grill coming together to give a visual feast of uncanny beauty.
The trademark Aston side vents once again make an appearance, slightly altered as per the Virage but still harking back to the roots of Astons of old with contemporary style. Our test car was fitted with the optional carbon fiber package which includes carbon mirrors, giving the DB9 a touch of aggressiveness amongst its more delicate details.
Round the back, a new lip rear spoiler and new rear diffuser, show off the DB9’s sporting intentions with great effect, plus 20 inch, 10 spoke forged alloy wheels fitted to our test car just look the business. The new car is a tad lower than the first generation DB9 resulting in a more planted looking stance.
Inside
Anyone who knows their cars will know Aston Martin in the last 10 years or so, have made a habit of giving their cars a cockpit which looks pretty much identical to the rest of the range. Mind you, that is certainly not a bad thing! The interior looks and feels simply elegant. Every button and switch oozes quality and the way everything is laid out and presented is divine.
Sitting low in the buttock hugging leather chairs, your arms extend forth and take hold of the leather bound steering wheel. The neat TAG Heuer watch looking dials always look lovely, but can be a difficult to read should the sun shine in.
Some of the buttons were quite small; therefore people with large mitts may struggle with operating a few things. The Sat Nav system in the new DB9 is miles better than the old Volvo sourced system from previous cars, offering clear and concise maps and directions.
The optional carbon fibre pack continues inside with the centre console surrounding the pop up control screen, drive select buttons and the port for the ECU. This is Aston speak for “Emotion Control Unit,” a bit of a marketing play on words but hey, if that is what’s required to ignite what lies under the bonnet, then so be it!
Under the Bonnet
The engine in question is an updated version of the German built 6.0L V12. This operatic masterpiece has been tuned to produce 380kW, 30 more than before. Plus a 620Nm lump of torque on tap is certainly nice. More of it is now available at lower revs, meaning going that little bit quicker when hammering it through its six speed sport shift auto box.
As in the Virage, Carbon Ceramic brakes are fitted as standard on the DB9 and are 15kg lighter than conventional braking system. Resulting in you having a face like Droopy the dog under hard braking! Adaptive damping for regular, sport and track modes available at the touch of a button and each transforms the handling characteristics depending on your mood.
On the road
Insert the ECU, press down and all your surroundings are engulfed with the sort of glorious noise only a high performing 12 cylinder can provide. Selecting first gear and moving off, you find every journey is can be done with such a sense of occasion, plus other motorists will get a kick out of your presence as everyone loves an Aston Martin.
The sport shift gearbox is a heck of a lot smoother on the up changes than before and ride is well sorted and comfortable. Many have accused recent Aston Martin’s of riding too firmly but the new DB9 gets around this no problem.
Due to the swooping coupe body, rear visibility is compromised somewhat and rear three quarter vision isn’t great, but you will be more inclined to spend more time looking ahead, especially when you give it some boot!
Leaving the city and heading out into the wide open, the long distance touring capabilities of the DB9 become apparent. Its long legs will provide your arrival at whatever far away destination you decide without feeling tired or suffering back pain. Hammer it, and you arrive at 100km/h in 4.6 seconds and reach a claimed top speed of 295km/h. The thunderous howl of the V12 is such a joyous sound; it wouldn’t be a bad idea to select a route with plenty of tunnels!
Despite being a big car, the DB9 is so compliant in the corners. The steering is weighted so you get plenty of positive feedback from every turn. The Pirelli P Zero tires give you grip and the beautiful chassis definitely helps. Put it all together and you end up with a truly sublime way of getting around.
Verdict
Having spent a day playing with the latest generation Aston Martin DB9 left a rather lasting impression. At $320,000 it is far from inexpensive, but at the end of the day what you get is a fantastic package for all seasons of motoring.
There are a few niggles, but these a greatly overshadowed with the knowledge of there being little else out there at that price which can offer such an intoxicating blend of handling, comfort, refinement and power. Grace Kelly would have definitely approved!
Aston Martin DB9 Specifications
Price: $320,000
Body type: Two-door coupe
Drive: Rear-wheel drive
Engine Type: V12 petrol
Engine Capacity: 5999cc
Max power: 380kW @ 6500rpm
Max torque: 620Nm @ 5500rpm
Fuel Consumption: 14.3L/100km
C02 emission: 119.0g/km
0 to 100kph: 4.6 sec
Front suspension: Independent double wishbone
Rear suspension: Independent double wishbone
ABS Brakes: Yes
Air Bags: 6
ESP: Yes
Air Conditioning: Dual zone climate control
Lap/diagonal belts: 4
Satellite Navigation: Yes
Electric seats: Yes
Burglar Alarm: Yes
Panic Button: No
Wheel type: 20-inch alloy
