Aston Martin has given the DB9 a comprehensive overhaul — and axed the more expensive Virage from its line-up in the process.
The eight-year-old DB9’s upgrades for the 2013 model year include a new Virage-inspired look inside and out, more power for its V12 engine and Aston’s latest adaptive damping technology.
The changes essentially mean that the best bits of the Virage — of which just over 1000 were sold in 18 months — can be had with the more desirable DB9 badge and for £18,000 less. The revised DB9 coupé starts at £131,995.
Power from the 5.9-litre engine has been increased from 470bhp to 510bhp and torque is up from 442lb ft to 457lb ft. The engine is the latest generation of the AM11 V12 series and includes updates from Aston’s new Vanquish.
These include a revised block and a new head, the addition of dual variable valve timing, an uprated fuel pump and a revised intake manifold.
The DB9 coupé can crack 0-62mph in 4.6sec and reach 183mph. The 0-62mph time is a 0.2sec improvement from the outgoing DB9, but the top speed is 7mph lower.
Standard kit now includes carbon-ceramic brakes supplied by Brembo. These weigh about 12.5kg less than traditional cast iron brakes. Adaptive dampers — Aston’s latest Gen4 version — are also standard and come with Normal, Sport and Track modes.
To keep costs down, Aston has decided against giving the DB9 the most recent version of its VH structure, used beneath the Vanquish, which features carbonfibre bonded into the rear section.
The look of the DB9 is instantly familiar from the Virage. The biggest change over the design of the Virage is a more pronounced rear boot ‘flip’ that improves the aerodynamic performance.
Aston has also been able to maintain its trademark extruded aluminium grille in the face of strict pedestrian impact legislation. A lower-mounted engine and a revised design for the bonnet, grille surround and front bumper allow the grille to move backwards in an impact to help protect pedestrians.
Inside, the DB9 adopts the higher-quality interior from the Virage, including a special hand-stitched leather welt for the seats and upgraded glass switchgear.
Lightweight seats can be specified that turn the DB9 from a 2+2 into a two-seater. These cut 17kg from the DB9’s kerb weight and have a carbonfibre and Kevlar composite structure.
Carbon packs are also offered inside and out. The external pack includes a splitter, diffuser and door mirror housings made from carbonfibre. The interior pack uses carbonfibre for the upper fascia, door pulls and gear selector paddles.
New equipment includes fresh designs for the 20-inch alloy wheels, automatic windscreen wipers, a reversing camera, special DB9 logos for the seats and a leather headlining.
