Aston Martin DB9 arrives to mark brand’s 100th anniversary
This year marks the 100th anniversary of Aston Martin, founded in 15 January 1913 by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford. Celebrating the occasion is the arrival of a new Aston Martin DB9, which is the model’s most powerful variant since its introduction in 2004.
“We are very excited to be able to start the celebration of the 100th year Anniversary of Aston Martin with the launch of the new DB9 in Malaysia. This iconic model is an example of the richness of the heritage of Aston Martin married seamlessly with advance technology- a fitting embodiment of the heart and art of Aston Martin going into their next 100 years,” said Mr Nazrul Mohtar, Executive Director of Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur.
Underpinning it is the new fourth-generation evolution of the aluminium rear-wheel drive VH platform that underpins almost the entire Aston Martin line-up. The fourth-gen VH platform first debuted in the Vanquish, and in its coupe format, the DB9 is 20% stiffer than its predecessor. The convertible Volante version, meanwhile, boasts an even more impressive 30% increase.
Sitting between the driver and front axle is the new AM11 6.0-litre V12 engine based on a new block and cylinder head despite retaining the previous engine’s 6.0-litre capacity. Incorporating features such as double variable valve timing, enlarged throttle bodies, and computer-machined combustion chambers, the new engine comfortably eclipses its predecessor’s outputs of 470hp and 600Nm with 510hp and 620Nm whilst consuming less fuel.
On the road, the improved engine setup translates to a 0.2-second reduction of its 0-100kph sprint time to 4.6 seconds, and a 12 g/km reduction of CO2 emissions to 333 g/km.
Beyond sheer performance, Aston Martin vehicles boast exemplary levels of craftsmanship, and the DB9 is no exception. Interior touches such as the jewel-like glass switches and painstakingly-stitched opulent leather trim finishes communicate an unmistakable sense of luxury, reminding owners why they parted with a king’s ransom to purchase one of these.
On the topic of price, the purchase of an Aston Martin DB9 will dent your bank account by about RM1.7 million before taking options and on-road costs into account. Time to work out which kidney to sell.
Pictures: Official Aston Martin release.
