2013 Aston Martin DB9: First Look

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

2013 Aston Martin DB9: First Look

Competes with: Ferrari 458 Italia, Lamborghini Gallardo, Bentley Continental Supersports
Looks like: The DB9 could use a more thorough styling update
Drivetrain: 510-hp, 6.0-liter V-12 and six-speed automatic transmission
Hits dealerships: November 2012

For the 2013 model year, the Aston Martin DB9 gets a few exterior tweaks and more luxury appointments. Although the exterior updates don't radically change the look of the now-7-year-old DB9, the big news is that the model gets a more powerful V-12 power plant.

Borrowed from the new Aston Martin Vanquish, the new V-12 engine makes 510 horsepower and 457 pounds-feet of torque. While that's a bit less power than what's available in the Vanquish, it's a 40-hp increase over the DB9's old V-12. The new engine benefits from a revised engine block, dual variable-valve timing, a revised intake manifold and combustion chambers, and enlarged throttle bodies. The new V-12 can propel the Aston from zero to 62 mph in 4.6 seconds, with a top speed of 183 mph, which is similar to the old engine's stats. The new V-12 is likely more fuel efficient, however. No word yet on gas mileage.

Folks trying to distinguish the 2013 model from the 2012 only need to look at the headlights. Instead of two projectors, there's a single bi-xenon lamp and an integrated LED side indicator in each headlamp housing unit. Also up front, the lower intake is now larger and lower. The rear deck lid has also grown larger and more pronounced, which helps with aerodynamics, says Aston Martin. The rear deck also features a new backup camera.

The interior looks the same as the outgoing version, but the automaker says the new one uses richer interior materials. The full-grain leather is now welted, like in the Virage. There's also new jewel-like glass switchgear and options such as a full-leather headliner.

Since many of the interior appointments previously offered on the Virage are now standard on the updated DB9, the automaker has decided to discontinue the Virage, giving Aston Martin a more streamlined lineup.

The 2013 Aston Martin DB9 will go on sale in November with a starting price of $185,400, which is actually (and surprisingly) $4,515 cheaper than the outgoing DB9.