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The iconic DB9 has been recreated for 2013 with new styling

AHEAD OF THE CURVE

The iconic DB9 has been recreated for 2013 with new styling, new engineering and enhanced luxury, as Marek Reichman, design director at Aston Martin, explains.

How does the design of the new DB9 differ from earlier models?

It is an evolution. The DB9 has always been perfectly proportioned. The new model is slightly wider as it has grown in power and has larger haunches. There is more shape and form around the grille and, on the technical side, there are new headlamps. There is also now a light-catcher running the length of the car, which accentuates the width.

We have improved the road handling and the car hunkers down further on its wheels to assist with that. The aerodynamics have been improved as power has increased. We have also added a rear spoiler to the boot, but integrated it in true Aston Martin form.

What elements did you keep from the previous model?

The grille was retained with the five-bar and the S-Curve. It is real, authentic and polished, which is a very important design element. It is always recognisable, even without the badge.

The side-strake still nestles into the fender, sturdy but elegant, keeping the grace and clean look. The rear C-shape is retained and the beautifully sculpted rear three-quarter view stays.

What are your favourite parts of the new DB9?

The grille and headlamps are particular objects of beauty. Their overall proportions are perfect, creating a “face” at the front of the car. The headlamps are like the eyes, but in this case, they are an extremely beautiful piece of “jewellery” made up of the finest light technology.

There is also the Aston Martin badge. We don’t talk about it very often, but the badges are manufactured in the jewellery quarter in Birmingham. They are not just a stamp, as is the case with many other manufacturers, but made from enamel which is then copper-coated and fired.

What differentiates the DB9 from other GT models?

The overall package and its usability. It has an honesty, authenticity and understated beauty that is respected by all, even the owners of rival brands. Everyone says a DB9 is a thing of visual perfection: perfectly proportioned, there is an aesthetic beauty in its body, shape and form.

What drive would you like to do in a DB9?

I would love to take a trip from London to Folkestone across the Channel, down through France and over the San Bernardino Pass across the Alps. Soaking up the magnificent scenery and views of Geneva or Zurich, I’d stay at some boutique hotels en route.

The Engine

The DB9 is powered by the all-new AM11 engine, the most powerful in its history. Its 6.0-litre capacity delivers 517Ps, a 0-62mph time of only 4.6 secs and 620Nm of torque—a 10% increase on the previous model. The AM11 has been specifically engineered to give up to 40Nm of additional torque between idle and 4,000rpm, while technology integrated from Aston Martin&rsdquo;s GT race car programme such as CNC-machined combustion chambers and hollowcam shafts mean the AM11 is as advanced as it is powerful.

MAX POWER

517ps (510bhp) at 6,500rpm

MAX TORQUE

620Nm at 5,500rpm

ACCELERATION

0-62mph in 4.6 seconds

MAX SPEED

183mph (295km/h)

The Brakes

Revolutionary carbon ceramic matrix brakes make their DB9 debut. Larger than an equivalent steel brake, but an impressive 12kg lighter, they provide a reduced fade through better heat dissipation and improved performance.

THE SUSPENSION

A new suspension system, Gen4, delivers breakthrough technology with a state-of-the-art, three-stage Adaptive Damping System (ADS). Normal, Sport and Track modes allow the driver to tailor the new DB9 to their personal preference with instant adjustments to conditions, road surface and speed.

THE ARCHITECTURE

New engine bay struts contribute to an even stronger structural core and a huge 30% increase in rigidity over our previous model—improving handling and driver response. But the DB9 also achieves what seemed impossible— increased rigidity as well as reduced weight. The extraordinary result is that the new DB9 is 15kg lighter. Structural advances are matched by optimised aerodynamics. Optional lightweight carbon fibre is used for a new front splitter, new rear diffuser and a boot lid with increased aero flip engineered to reduce lift.

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