2012 Aston Martin DB9 Review by Cars.com Staff

2012 Aston Martin DB9

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2012 Aston Martin DB9

Starting MSRP $189,915–$211,821


Expert Reviews

By Cars.com Staff

Cars.com National March 2, 2012

Vehicle Overview

The Aston Martin DB9 comes in coupe and convertible (Volante) forms and is powered by a 6.0-liter V-12 engine that generates 470 horsepower. Competitors include the Lamborghini Gallardo and Ferrari California.

New for 2012

The DB9's manual transmission has been dropped, leaving just a six-speed automatic. Additionally, a Garmin-based navigation system replaces a hard-drive-based one, and yellow brake calipers are newly optional.

Exterior

A long aluminum hood sits above a familiar Aston Martin grille, which has a bright finish. There are side strakes on the front quarter panels. The DB9's rear haunches are wide and curvaceous, and its profile features a prominent trunk. "Swan wing" doors rise at a 12-degree angle for easier access. Exterior features include:

  • Standard 19-inch wheels
  • Aluminum and lightweight composite body panels
  • Magnesium steering column and inner door frame
  • Volante's fabric top folds underneath a hard tonneau cover that sits flush with the bodywork
  • Sensors can detect a potential rollover and deploy roll bars (convertible)
  • Aston Martin says the windshield pillars can withstand twice the car's body weight
  • Rear parking sensors; front sensors are optional
  • LEDs in the door handles illuminate at night

Interior

The DB9 offers 2+2 seating that features leather with walnut, mahogany, piano black, Tamo ash or bamboo trim. A center console constructed from die-cast zinc has a painted silver finish. To start the engine, the driver must press a clear glass button. The tachometer dial runs counterclockwise and has no redline. Instead, a red warning symbol appears at various engine speeds, depending on ambient temperature and engine mileage. Interior features include:

  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • MP3 jack
  • Premium six-CD stereo
  • Automatic air conditioning
  • Cruise control
  • Multilingual information system includes Russian, Greek and Chinese

Under the Hood

The DB9's 6.0-liter V-12 produces 470 hp and 443 pounds-feet of torque. Aston Martin says the DB9 can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. Mechanical features include:

  • ZF six-speed automatic transmission
  • Coupe's top speed is 190 mph
  • Rear-mounted gearbox helps achieve 50/50 weight distribution, front to rear
  • Full undertray reduces lift and drag

Safety

Safety features include:

  • All-disc antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist
  • Side-impact airbags for the front seats
  • Electronic stability system

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