2012 Aston Martin DB9

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