Driving
In the past, we have had issues with the suspension set-up of the DB9 – but we still ended up loving it. However, when you are spending so much on a supercar, you want it to be perfect. So, in the spring of 2008, Aston issued a range of updates to make it better than ever. New dampers and retuned suspension bushes improved the ride quality, and although it’s still firm – particularly over small bumps – the pay-off is far better body control at high speed. However, we still have the same complaints about the set-up at the rear, which is vague and slightly too soft. The steering is heavy and doesn’t provide enough feel, either, while the brakes are powerful but also weighty and hard to modulate As a result, it can be difficult to feel at one with the car on a twisty, bumpy road. We’d go for the optional Sport Pack, which ties the rear end down more. Still, the 470bhp V12 remains simply gorgeous, propelling the DB9 forward like a rocketship. It is capable of 190mph, and hits 60mph in 4.6 seconds.
Specifications
Body
Two-door coupe or convertible body style with 2+2 seating
Extruded aluminium bonded VH body structure
Aluminium and composite body panels
Extruded aluminium door side impact beams
High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps (dipped beam)
Halogen projector headlamps (main beam) with power wash
LED rear lamps
Engine
All-alloy, quad overhead camshaft, 48-valve, 5935 cc V12
Front mid-mounted engine, rear-wheel drive
Fully catalysed stainless steel exhaust system with active bypass valves
Compression ratio 10.9:1
Max power 350 kW (470 bhp/477 PS) at 6000 rpm
Max torque 600 Nm (443 lb ft) at 5000 rpm
Acceleration (manual) 0-60 mph in 4.6 sec; 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 4.8 sec
Acceleration (automatic) 0-60 mph in 4.6 sec; 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 4.8 sec
Max speed 306 km/h (190 mph)
Transmission
Rear mid-mounted, six-speed manual gearbox
Rear mid-mounted ‘Touchtronic 2’ six-speed gearbox with electronic shift-by-wire control system
Alloy torque tube with carbon-fibre propeller shaft
Limited-slip differential
Final-drive ratio (manual) 3.54:1
Final-drive ratio (automatic) 3.154:1
Wheels & tyres
19” alloy wheels – ten spoke design
Front 8.5J x 19” Bridgestone Potenza 235/40 ZR19
Rear 9.5J x 19” Bridgestone Potenza 275/35 ZR19
Steering
Rack and pinion, Servotronic speed-sensitive power-assisted steering, 3.0 turns lock-to-lock
Column tilt and reach adjustment
Suspension
Front Independent aluminium double wishbones incorporating anti-dive geometry, coil over aluminium monotube dampers and anti-roll bar
Rear Independent aluminium double wishbones incorporating anti-squat and anti-lift geometry, coil over aluminium monotube dampers and anti-roll bar
Brakes
Front Ventilated and grooved steel discs, 355 mm diameter
Rear Ventilated and grooved steel discs, 330 mm diameter
Radial-mounted four-piston monobloc calipers
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Anti-locking Braking System (ABS)
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
Traction control
In-car entertainment
Aston Martin 700 W Premium Audio System with Dolby® Pro Logic II®, includes a six-CD autochanger
MP3 player connectivity
Aston Martin DB9 Reviews
Aston Martin DB9 Videos
