Aston Martin DB9 facelift

What‘s it? A lightly revised version of Aston Martin’s forgotten coupe. It’s simple to overlook the DB9 lately, because of sportier models stealing its thunder – the DBS at the highest end and also the V12 Vantage closer towards the DB9’s price. However the suave, elegant DB9 has just been updated to the 2010 model year. Changes are light – there will be Marek Reichman-tweaks to the initial Ian Callum shape, including a brand new front bumper incorporating a far more Rapide-esque nose, clear rear light clusters and a far more defined treatment upon the side-skirts. Mechanically there’s only the one change. Adaptive dampers are now fitted, as standard on both the coupe and Volante convertible. They‘ve two modes – normal and sport, thus rendering the old optional Sport Pack redundant. Accordingly, it really has been dropped. What’s it like? Still quietly lovely. The DB9 is the topic of several subtle, model-year changes throughout the years so, though it first appeared in 2003, it doesn’t feel outdated. Distinct a result of basing all its cars upon the ‘VH’ extruded / bonded aluminium architecture is that whenever Aston makes a big engineering change, it could be rolled across all models. Early DB9s, and it is sister models, suffered some unwanted steering kickback. A few year ago a brand new cross-member behind the dash was developed – much stiffer compared to the previous one - and also the steering column is mounted inwith it. Consequently, as inside the Rapide and also the Vantage to which the planning is likewise fitted, it much reduces knock with the steering wheel. Replicate that type of tweak elsewhere - to the engine management and gearbox software upon the six-speed auto in our test car, for instance - and have the ear of a DB9 that feels as good like the other, newer cars in Aston’s range. Therefore the DB9 rides with fluidity, and steers precisely, smoothly with decent feel. I like the auto towards the manual inside the DB9 – it suits the car, and it’s a super unit, with tight control during the torque converter so it never feels slushy. The engine includes a decent spread of power and fine response, too. More torque wouldn’t hurt, but it’s an engine that sings. The DB9 handles, too. Grip is good and it’s approachable inside the type of the very best long, front engined, rear drive GT cars. When there is a place in which the Aston is beginning to feel its age, it’s inside the cabin. Nothing wrong using the driving position as well as general feel of construction, however the layout and design could possibly be clearer. Should I buy one? I might. What’s reassuring is it’s more mature and relaxed compared to the V12 Vantage. Despite running on very similar architecture the 2 feel sufficiently different – the Vantage the sports car, the DB9 every inch the grand tourer. At around £120, 000 the DB9 sits between a couple of rivals – more costly than Porsches and Maseratis (and, in fact, the Jaguar XKR ), but cheaper than any Ferrari. Driving one again is likewise a tidy reminder of what good value it represents next to Aston’s own DBS. As exclusive GT cars go, the DB9 remains right up there. Aston Martin DB9 facelift