2011 Aston Martin DB9: The Definitive Sports Grand Tourer AND Aston Martin V8 Vantage N420

A dream machine and one of the sexiest cars on the road, the Aston Martin’s DB9 has received a complete package of styling, engineering and equipment enhancements.

As the most successful Aston Martin of all-time the DB9 has the enduring combination of understated elegance, sporting character and genuine luxury.

This new package of improvements is of subtle styling changes that freshen the DB9’s appearance, with a new front bumper, bright finish radiator grille and a re-shaped lower intake featuring bright hexagonal mesh. New headlight bezels, re-styled sills, silver brake calipers, 20-spoke diamond turned alloy wheels and clear rear light lenses complete the external revisions.

Under the skin the DB9’s passive damping system has been replaced by a new Adaptive Damping System (ADS), which offers enhanced ride comfort together with sharper handling when switched to Sport mode. The ADS system is offered as standard equipment across the DB9 range, encompassing both Coupe and Volante (convertible). A new tire pressure monitoring system, a revised Bluetooth microphone system and the addition of a new Double Apex alloy finish trim and Bang & Olufsen hi-fi options broaden the DB9’s specification.

The latest package of improvements goes further than ever, highlighting the DB9’s qualities as a true sporting GT and underlining its role as the backbone car of our range.”

Performance comes courtesy of Aston Martin’s celebrated 6.0-litre V12 engine, which develops an unchanged 470bhp and 442lb ft of torque. Mated to a choice of six-speed ‘Touchtronic’ paddle-shift automatic or six-speed H-pattern manual transmissions, the DB9 offers an intoxicating blend of effortless pace and sporting character. A top speed of 190mph and the ability to hit 60mph in just 4.6sec seal its credentials as the definitive 2+2 Grand Tourer.

The beauty of an Aston Martin comes from the balance of its ground-hugging stance, its sexy body lines and a complete attention to detail. The DB9 remains one of the world’s most beautiful sports cars and is instantly recognizable.

Prices start at $187,615 for the DB9 Coupe and $201,115 for the DB9 Volante

Aston Martin Introduces V8 Vantage N420

Aston Martin has also unveiled a new motorsport-inspired special edition, the V8 Vantage N420 that brings a new dimension of sporting competence and dynamic ability. The Vantage N420 is based upon the standard 4.7-litre, 420bhp, 180mph V8 Vantage and is available as a Coupe or Roadster, and with a six-speed manual or optional Sportshift automated manual transmission.

The Vantage N420 draws inspiration from the company’s experiences at the Nürburgring 24-hour race. In the 2006 running of the annual Nürburgring endurance classic amongst a field of mostly motorsport homologated cars, Aston Martin entered a near-standard, road-registered V8 Vantage. Driven by a team of employees, including Aston Martin’s CEO, Dr Ulrich Bez, the V8 Vantage – named ‘Rose’ by the team – finished 4^th in class and 24^th overall from a field of more than 200 specialized racing cars.

Not only has this racing success spawned the V8 Vantage GT4 customer program run by Aston Martin Racing, but lessons learned in racing at the Nürburgring has led to aerodynamic and other performance developments being fed back into Aston Martin’s road cars.

A generous standard specification and some unique options ensure the special edition Vantage N420 is both exclusive and distinctive.

On the outside, wider sills combine perfectly with a carbon fiber splitter, side strakes and diffuser, while bold 10-spoke diamond turned alloy wheels complete with gloss black finish, black mesh vents and ‘Graphitic’ tailpipe finishers complete the coordinated look.

Inside the Vantage N420 offers an Iridium interior package, with graphite instruments, leather or Alcantara^® steering wheel, special N420 sill plaques and adjustable sports seats, complete with ‘Race Track’ stitching as in the V12 Vantage. Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control and Park Distance Control are also standard.

Cementing the Vantage N420’s credentials as a special edition V8 Vantage tailored for the most discerning and enthusiastic drivers, it is fitted with the normally optional Sports Pack. This package combines revised springs, dampers and anti-roll bars for even more responsive and dynamic handling, while retaining the V8 Vantage’s renowned poise, balance and long distance ability. Finally, a new sports exhaust system delivers a suitably rousing soundtrack.

A further distinctive feature is the availability of a new range of optional Aston Martin ‘Race Collection’ paint schemes. Pairing bold body colors with contrasting hues for the cant rails and radiator grille surround, they celebrate the marque’s racing heritage. All of the company’s successful N24 Vantage racers are celebrated, with ‘Rose’ yellow, ‘Kermit’ green and ‘Elwood’ blue all featuring in the collection along with traditional Aston Martin Racing green. The white and black car shown wears the equally striking ‘Asia Cup’ livery.

Production of the V8 Vantage N420 is priced at $132,000 for the Vantage N420 Coupe and $145,000 for the Vantage N420 Roadster.