The car’s aluminum body is handsome arguably one of the most attractive around with a broad, deep front grille, typical of Aston Martin, between large oval headlamps. Graceful compound curves run rearward over a long hood to culminate in a short deck. The windshield is steeply raked and the roofline low. “Swan wing” doors open slightly upward (by 12 degrees) to ease entry and exit and prevent the doors from swinging too far open and getting dinged.

The DB9 comes powered by a 450-horsepower version of the 6.0-liter V12 engine that is also found in Aston Martin’s V12 Vanquish S (where it makes 70 hp more). It can be mated to a six-speed manual or an automatic transmission that employs shift-by-wire gear changing and can be taken through the gears manually via paddles behind the steering wheel. Top speed is claimed to be in excess of 186 mph.

A thoroughly modern ride, the DB9 is constructed from an aluminum-bonded unibody frame, whose lightness and rigidity enable exceptional agility and ride comfort. A rear-mounted transaxle contributes to the ideal front-to-rear weight distribution which, along with a double-wishbone suspension and 19-inch wheels and tires, creates tenacious handling without too harsh of a ride. Dynamic Stability Control, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist are standard and assure secure cornering and stopping, no matter the weather or road conditions.

Electroluminescent displays and conventional instruments mingle in the elegant and impeccable interior. Unlike most vehicles, the DB9’s tachometer runs counterclockwise (supposedly to save space in the instrument panel) and does not feature a conventional red line to indicate the engine’s rpm limit.

Here, the limit varies according to such factors as outside temperature and how recently the engine was started; a red warning light comes on to indicate when the current red line has been reached. The DB9 Volante features a multilayer, fully automatic soft top with a glass rear window that includes a heating element.

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As a sculpture the V8 Vantage is one of the most stunning sports cars of all time; the body is tautly stretched over the 102.4-inch wheelbase with minimal overhangs, the fenders cover the 19-inch Bridgestone Potenza tires with devastating sensuousness and the windshield is fitted into its one-piece aluminum frame at such an extreme angle that the car’s profile is practically ballistic.

But this isn’t a car that only looks good from 50 feet away. It’s actually more beautiful up close. The detailing is all very restrained and tasteful, but the body is undeniably provocative the automotive equivalent of Kate Beckinsale in a skintight Versace gown. And it makes cars like the scoops-laden Ferrari F430 seem almost vulgar in comparison.

The “VH” (Vertical Horizontal) structure that underpins the Vantage is an intricate assembly of aluminum extrusions, steel and magnesium castings and composite body panels, all bonded together with advanced adhesives, self-piercing rivets and welds so beautiful you can run your fingers over them and never feel a bump or joint.

Some of the aluminum extrusions, like those framing the engine bay and bolstering the cockpit structure, are so luscious the designers decided they were better off not covering them at all.

Throw in details like ventilated disc brakes clamped by perfectly detailed Brembo calipers and the result is a car that is thrilling to behold in every conceivable way and stops from 60 mph in just 113 feet. It’s a $107,400 semi-exotic ($119,340 with 19-inch wheels, satellite navigation and a few other options) that packs both the visual firepower of a $250,000 super-exotic and the restrained elegance of a Porsche 911.

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In conjunction with the electronic drive-by-wire throttle system which is fitted to the second generation 450 horsepower 6.0 litre V12 Aston Martin engine, finger tip controlled Formula 1 style paddles enable almost imperceptible gear changes to be completed in under 250 milliseconds – less than the blink of an eye.

Advanced electronics also permit the close ratio six speed manual transmission to be programmed to operate automatically with the added facility of a special program tailored to winter driving conditions.

The main body structure utilises carbon fibre, extruded aluminium and composite materials bonded together to form a central monocoque safety cell with additional deformable composite structure energy absorbent zones at both front and rear. It provides standards of efficiency, structural integrity, torsional rigidity and occupant crash protection compatible with a modern Formula 1 car. The V12 Vanquish exceeds by a substantial margin all known or projected safety legislation.

International award winning designer Ian Callum’s elegant, classic body design which reflects the pedigree, heritage and tradition of Aston Martin is both bold and dynamic with finely detailed features for the interior and the exterior.

The distinctive radiator grille and lower air intake which have become the hallmarks of a modern Aston Martin are flanked by the equally bold and distinctive auxiliary driving lamps and front direction turn indicators. Both the front wings and bonnet panels incorporate a series of finely detailed compound curves which sweep back to the steeply raked windscreen pillars and low curving roof line.

Deeply sculptured sill and door panels accentuate Ian Callum’s classic design for this most modern of Aston Martins while the prominent rear wheel arches with the short tail section and rear spoiler incorporated in the boot lid complement the classic overall proportions of the V12 Vanquish.

All the exterior body panels are constructed from aluminium with each individual panel hand tailored to the central structure to ensure a perfect panel fit.

The V12 Vanquish is available as either a two or two plus two seat coupe with each and every model hand-built, finished and equipped to the exact and individual requirements of its customer. The new V12 Vanquish benefits from the most comprehensive and exhaustive test programme ever to be undertaken by Aston Martin with 50 prototypes covering more than 1.0 million miles. Components and systems were subjected to a series of exhaustive trials on test rigs in Ford Research and Development Centres in Britain, mainland Europe and the United States. In order to assess the integrity and durability of the bonded body structure an environmental wind tunnel was employed to subject a Vanquish body to extremes of temperature ranging from minus 40°C to plus 81°C.

The Body Structure

The main body structure of the new V12 Vanquish including the floor and the front and rear bulkheads is formed from extruded aluminium sections bonded and riveted around the central transmission tunnel which is constructed entirely from carbon fibre.

Single piece composite inner body side sections with carbon fibre windscreen pillars are also bonded to the central structure to create a high strength safety cell.

The precise, computer controlled, manufacturing processes which have been developed in Cupertino with Ford Research Laboratories and Nottingham University for the construction of the composite sections and the carbon fibre windscreen pillars are unique to the production of this latest Aston Martin.

Immediately ahead of the driver and passenger compartment a steel, aluminum and carbon fiber subframe carries the engine, transmission and front suspension and is bolted directly to the front bulkhead. There is a further deformable composite structure which employs the distinctive Aston Martin mesh air intake grille as a stressed member located ahead of the engine and front suspension to provide additional crash protection and accommodate the engine, transmission and air conditioning radiators and intercoolers. A completely flat surface has been developed for the underbody enabling air to be channelled into a Venturi section at the rear to assist high speed aerodynamics.

At the rear the composite floor, parcel shelf and side rails of the luggage compartment are also designed to provide additional deformable crash protection together with the extruded aluminium side impact beams located in the doors.

All of the exterior panels, including the roof, bonnet, boot lid, front and rear wings and doors are produced from “super-plastic-formed” and pressed aluminium. However each individual panel is tailored and bonded to the central structure by hand to ensure a perfect fit and finish.

There is a limitless range of body colours and a limitless choice of Connolly hide upholstery for the air-conditioned interior. Each body receives eight coats of paint with eight Connolly hides and 12m² of Wilton carpet being used to complete the furnishing of the interior.

Engine

Further development of Aston Martin’s low emissions all alloy twin overhead camshaft 48 valve 6.0 litre V12 engine with new design inlet manifolds, camshafts, valve gear, crankshaft and exhaust system has generated a 7% increase in power and 2.5% increase in torque.

With the catalysts located immediately adjacent to the exhaust manifold they achieve optimum operating efficiency within 30 seconds to further reduce emissions. To ensure that heat from the engine and exhaust system is insulated from the body structure the entire exhaust system and the front bulkhead is clad in a heat resistant material first developed within the aerospace industry. A unique engine oil to water heat exchanger accelerates and assists operating efficiency together with an ionised gas misfire detection system which provides continuous monitoring of each of the engine’s 12 cylinders.

Transmission

The six speed close ratio manual transmission which is installed in the new V12 Vanquish is linked to the electronic drive-by-wire throttle and controlled through twin paddles mounted on the steering column. Developed in conjunction with Magnetti-Marelli and Ford RVT the advanced paddle shift gear change incorporates electronics matched to hydraulics to facilitate instantaneous gear changes. Sophisticated electronics also permit the manual transmission to operate automatically with the additional facility of a programme for winter driving conditions which automatically reduces the power and torque of the engine.

Brakes, Suspension and Steering

Anti-lock ventilated and drilled 355mm (front) and 330mm (rear) diameter Brembo disc brakes are fitted to the aluminium alloy road wheels together with variable ratio power steering and independent front and rear suspension systems which incorporate forged aluminium wishbones and cast aluminium front suspension uprights. The rear axle is equipped with a limited slip differential in tandem with electronic traction control which senses potential wheel slippage and automatically reduces engine power and if necessary applies the rear brake system. The Yokohama 255/40 ZR 19 front and 285/40 ZR 19 rear tyres are mounted on 19″ diameter wheels with 9″ width rims at the front and 10″ width rims at the rear. Individual tyre pressures and temperatures are monitored through an automatic electronic sensing system.

Interior

Owners of the new Aston Martin V12 Vanquish are invited to Newport Pagnell in advance of production to select the body colour and Connolly hide upholstery scheme and either the two or two plus two seat configuration.

A deep centre console unit separates the driver and front passenger seats and incorporates a red engine starter button, the sound system and the climate control system. The white faced major instruments and message centre which can relay information in eleven different languages have been designed in conjunction with Visteon. They are grouped in a binnacle directly in front of the driver with the gear change paddles mounted on the steering column.

The overall interior design is a subtle blend of traditional, classic and modern materials with Connolly hide upholstery matched to contemporary metal interior fittings and finishes. Both the windscreen wipers and lighting system can be programmed to operate automatically. Satellite navigation is also available together with many other features which can be installed to satisfy individual requirements of customers.

Electronics

The Visteon electronic control system which is integrated into the design of the new V12 Vanquish is the most sophisticated yet to be installed in any model from Aston Martin and has the capacity to process 2.0 million commands per second. It facilitates continuous dialogue between the engine, the transmission and the braking system and communicates information in just 8 milliseconds. It monitors and records the mechanical performance of the entire vehicle and provides a high security anti-theft system. “This will be the most dynamic, technically advanced and sophisticated new model ever to be introduced by Aston Martin,” said Ulrich Bez Chief Executive of Aston Martin. “It will provide exhilarating performance with impeccable handling and is a true driver’s car. We believe the new V12 Vanquish will have the ability to continually exceed the expectations of its owner.”

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Aston Martin also claims that there is “a small but significant additional saving from the use of titanium wheel nuts.” The DB9 Sports Pack’s spring rates are increased by 68 percent at the front of the car and 64 percent at the rear. The front anti-roll bar has been modified, and the dampers are revised to support the new spring and anti-roll bar characteristics.  Together, the changes are designed to optimize body control and front end grip without compromising the quality of the ride or adding weight. The ride height is reduced by 6mm, lowering the car’s center of gravity and further reducing body roll.

Looking a little further into the future, Aston Martin is close to announcing a decision to build the stunning Rapide 4-door coupe. Built on a stretched DB9 platform, the Rapide concept’s rear doors are so well-integrated into the design that they are almost unnoticed. Inside are four individual seats set in elegant surroundings. A 480-horsepower V12 resides under the hood. If the Rapide does get built, it would likely be a 2008 or 2009 model.

Aston Martin has also announced a new model that will debut as the latest ride for James Bond 007. Called the DBS, the new model combines the elegance of the DB9 with the performance of the DBR9 racecar. The DBS will debut in the movie “Casino Royale” later this year.

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Since July 2000, Aston Martin has undergone a transformation under the guidance of CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez and now boasts one of the sexiest automotive line-ups in the world. Since 2001 they’ve also run what they call CoolBrands to honor what’s hot and happening. As part of that venture, they host a party to celebrate the year’s coolest.

At this year’s annual CoolLive event held last night, Aston Martin was announced as the UK’s coolest brand. With James Bond set to make his return to theaters in the near future piloting an Aston DBS, we think the timing is perfect. Between the Vanquish S, the DB9 and the V8 Vantage, they seem to be incapable of doing any wrong with a designer’s pen.

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The standard DB9 on which the new car is based has been shaken and stirred. The already impressive 6.0-litre V12 has been uprated by a not inconsiderable 80bhp, taking total output to 530bhp. At the same time the car has shed weight and height losing close to 200kg through the use of lightweight materials and a stripped down interior and sitting 25mm closer to the road.

Bond’s new wheels sport a muscular bodykit penned by Aston designer Marek Reichman. Wider front wings feature cooling cut outs behind the wheels and a bulging bonnet adds scoops to help feed air to the beefier engine. A deep front spoiler directs more air into an oil cooler which has been enlarged over the standard item. Further cooling ducts direct air over the brakes, which, for the first time on an Aston, will be ceramic to up their stopping power.

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The deep side skirts feature deep grooves which appear to be there to channel hot air away from the brakes. A subtle spoiler, which pays homage to the old DB6, has been added to the bootlid and works in conjunction with a flat undertray and a diffuser to increase downforce at the rear. This is where all that power is sent, via a six-speed Graziano manual gearbox, as opposed to the DB9’s standard autobox. Mighty 20-inch bespoke alloys and a rear track 40mm wider will do their level best to ensure Bond arrives at his destination with the car in the same shape as when he set off. The sprint to 60 should comfortably undercut the DB9’s 4.7 seconds.

Bond’s car will be finished in unique ‘Casino Ice’ paintwork and will no doubt have plenty of hidden extras fitted by Q. Aston Martin chairman and chief executive Dr Ulrich Bez said: “The DBS continues our proud and lengthy association with James Bond. The DBS is not of the understated elegance of a DB9, nor the youthful agility of the V8 Vantage. It is explosive power in a black tie and has its own unique character which will equal that of James Bond.”

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Production may be limited to 300 cars, but Bond would never be able to afford one on his civil service salary. The car will go on sale next year after debuting at the Detroit Motor Show in January and cost in the region of £160,000. Bond’s other car will be rather more suited to undercover work however, it’s a humble Ford Mondeo. Which is rather fitting when you consider that the Aston’s rip-snorting V12 is effectively two Ford V6s mated together. We’ll all get a sneak preview when Casino Royale opens in cinemas on November 17.

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