Page 2 of 3

Engine

A crimson starter button indicates that the 6-liter V12 is spinning. That 48-valve mill was developed from the Vanquish's existing 12-cylinder. New parts include four camshafts, both the intake and exhaust manifold, the crankshaft, and the engine management system. An impressive 450 hp. boils at 6,000 rpm while 420 lb.-ft. of torque twists at 5,000 revs. That's a lot of revolution for maximum torque, but Aston says that 80 percent is queued up at just 1,500 rpm. By locating the powerplant in a mid-front location, weight distribution is an equal 50:50.

Aston Martin will bolt one of two transmissions to each V12 engine. A traditional 6-speed manual uses a twin-plate clutch, and a 6-speed automatic gets shift-by-wire gear changing. Rather than using a conventional lever to pick a drive mode, different buttons engage park, reverse, drive, or neutral. Manual shifting via paddles behind the steering wheel can also be activated on the automatic box.

In the interest of ultimate handling performance, a frame made primarily of aluminum was used to underpin the DB9. Although 25-percent lighter than the DB7's bodyshell, the new frame is said to be twice as stiff torsionally. Ultrasonic welding is used in place of normal spot welding and is approximately 90-percent stronger. Even the driveshaft is made of carbon fiber to make the transfer of power to the rear wheels as rigid as possible. Body parts are constructed of both aluminum and composite.

Suspension

Fully-independent suspension used double-wishbone configurations and, again, the components are fabricated from aluminum. The steering rack is mounted ahead of the front wheels to increase performance, especially under hard braking. Four-piston calipers bind 14-in. rotors in front and 13s out back. Those discs are not cross-drilled, but instead ventilated and grooved. Additionally, ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, and Brake Assist provide electronic assistance. Ultimate stopping power relies on 19-in. tires, measuring 235/40 at the bow and 275/35 towards the stern.

If the unthinkable occurs, and the seamlessly designed DB9 body acquires crumples, airbags assure occupant safety. Dual-stage units emerge in front of the driver and front passenger, while seat-mounted ones provide lateral buffering. The seatbelts also include pretensioners. Volante models deploy roll-hoops from the rear seat headrests in the event of a rollover. The A-pillars are also built to support twice the weight of a DB9.

So what do you get when you combine the latest and best structural technology, a potent but refined powertrain, a quirky yet extravagant cockpit, and one the most unencumbered body designs ever? You get the all-new DB9. Coupe versions will be available in the spring and Volante versions in the fall. Nearly all of the 2,000 being produced for this model year are spoken for.