Aston Martin DB9 (2003 - 2008)

The DB9 made a huge impact at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA). Every UK motor magazine made the DB9 their front page feature - be in no doubt, the unveiling of the DB9 heralded the start of a whole new era for Aston Martin. The DB9 was the first of what has become an extensive range of production and race Aston Martins to use VH architecture. It's intended to be the 'GT' offering' in the fast growing AM range as it has occasional rear seats but it's also been engineered to behave like a sportscar. The car is powered by a third generation 450 bhp version of the 6.0 litre V12, initially produced by Cosworth Technology in the UK, the production of which moved to the Aston Martin Engine Plant in Cologne, Germany in September 2004.

The DB9 itself is built at the brand new, state-of-the-art facility in Gaydon, Warwickshire; part of a much larger site which also houses facilities for other members of the Premier Automotive Group (Land Rover & Jaguar) and the British Motor Heritage Centre.
The DB9 above has been especially sectioned to show the VH platform. The individual die-cast, extruded or stamped aluminium elements of the VH platform are bonded with strong adhesives and self-piercing rivets to make a lightweight but stiff backbone. Indeed the DB9 bodyshell weighs 25% less than that of the DB7 but has double the torsional rigidity. The VH platform is not shared with any other vehicle from the Ford family, but a shortened wheelbase version is also used on the V8 Vantage and a longer version will be used on the four door Rapide.

The interiors of Aston Martins have always been very special places to be. Never overfilled with gadgets and toys but beautifully tailored with the finest of materials. The DB9 follows this theme with acres of Bridge of Weir leather, aluminium and wood. The use of wood in the interior is different from previous Astons, with a choice of walnut, mahogany and bamboo; it's finish is described as oiled rather than polished and appears structural. Perhaps my favourite piece in the cabin is the starter button made of glass, sand etched with the Aston Martin wings logo, a feature that carried through all models until it's replacement by the 'Emotion Control Unit' in 2008.
In early 2006, the DB9 received the alloy heater knobs as seen on the Vantage and also a white LED display on the instruments replacing the yellow ones.

V12 Vantage Carbon Black

DB9 Volante