The first official images and details of the 2013 Aston Martin DB9 have been released, with the British luxury sports car manufacturer simultaneously confirming the death of the Aston Martin Virage.
The new Aston Martin DB9 combines the previous model with design elements taken from the outgoing Aston Martin Virage – which Aston Martin says, “ceases production with immediate effect” – and is again available in both Coupe and Volante (roadster) form.
A more pronounced front splitter joins a new front grille inspired by the super-rare Aston Martin One-77 supercar, while taut muscular lines tie in with deeper side skirts and classic Aston Martin details like the bonnet vents and now elongated side strakes with LED indicators. A carbonfibre front splitter is also available as part of an exterior Carbon Pack that adds a carbonfibre rear diffuser, carbonfibre mirror arms and caps and dark tailpipes with a ‘graphitic’ finish.
The sports GT’s low and wide stance continues at the rear with bold haunches, a boot spoiler and clear LED tail lights.
The new DB9 benefits from the latest-generation AM11 6.0-litre V12 powerplant – now positioned lower in the engine bay under a new bonnet.
The updated motor incorporates some of the ‘Gen4′ VH technology developed for the Aston Martin Vanquish, including a revised block, new head with dual variable valve timing, enlarged throttle bodies, uprated fuel pump, revised intake manifold and machined combustion chambers, to deliver 380kW of power and 620Nm of torque – an increase of 30kW and 20Nm – through a ‘Touchtronic 2′ six-speed paddle-shifted transmission and limited slip differential to the standard 20-inch alloy wheels.
The extra grunt ensures the DB9 hustles from 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and onto a Vanquish-equaling top speed of 295km/h.
The new DB9 receives the enhanced version of the British brand’s Adaptive Damping System (ADS) giving drivers three modes to select from: Normal, Sport and Track – Normal delivering the greatest ride comfort, Sport being more focused towards sharper handling and control, and Track mode the most serious with the stiffest possible suspension settings.
The selectable damping technology is also accompanied by dynamic stability control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, emergency brake assist and traction control.
Helping to make stopping as confidence-inspiring as going, a Carbon Ceramic Brembo Braking system featuring 398mm cross-drilled discs at the front and 360mm discs at the rear, is now included as standard equipment.
Like the exterior, the new Aston Martin DB9’s interior also takes inspiration from the Virage, with hand-stitched leather and glass switchgear being highlights alongside the full-grain leather interior, electrically adjustable sports seats and leather sports steering wheel. An interior Carbon Pack is also available that includes a carbonfibre upper facia, carbonfibre gearshift paddles and carbonfibre door pulls.
Automatic headlights with bi-xenon technology, automatic wipers, reversing camera, satellite navigation, and an LCD central display screen are also standard fit for the new DB9.
Local Aston Martin dealerships are now taking orders for the $349,500 Aston Martin DB9 Coupe and $380,500 Volante - a reduction of $12,454 and $12,463, respectively over the outgoing 2012 model – with the first customer deliveries due to start in December this year.
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