The Automotive Dream “One man and his dream had not simply left the world with an engine and four wheels; Henry Ford and his Model T had influenced people's everyday lives - where they lived, how they spent their leisure time, even how they viewed themselves.” - Gary...
Aston Martin DB9 Volante
Written by Irina
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Another favorite in the Demers Car Collection, Aston Martins were popularized by the James Bond movie franchise. Symbols of English sporting refinement, Aston Martins tend to have a cult following. Indeed, despite facing bankruptcy seven times, the brand is still alive and well today thanks to its loyal supporters. The car we discuss in this blog is the Aston Martin DB9 Volante. Buying, owning and driving an Aston Martin DB9 is a sensorial and emotional experience rather than a utilitarian action. Having had the chance to try it out myself, I can attest to the pure pleasure of being behind the wheel of such a well crafted machine.
Where Does the Model Stand in the Aston Martin Lineup?
Introduced at the end of 2003, for the 2005 model year, the DB9 is the first Aston Martin produced in the Gaydon factory, and it does not disappoint. The Aston Martin website describes it as a flagship product. A flagship product is defined as the most important product of a company’s lineup. Having researched several cars now, it is normal to find opposing opinions and critiques about a particular model, the DB9 defies the odds and gathers pretty consistent raving reviews. Coming as the successor to the highly popular DB7, it was and still is very much liked.
The Aston Martin DB9 Volante was introduced in 2004 as the convertible variant of the coupe. The same year, Aston Martin announced its intention to participate in GT races using a car based on the DB9, the DBR9. The DBR9 came third in the 24 Heures du Mans, which is not a small feat.
Where Does “DB” Come From?
The initials “DB” that name the famous series of cars that we see in James Bond movies belong to David Brown. David Brown, a renowned tractor manufacturer, purchased the company in 1947 after seeing a classified ad announcing the sale. He is credited with the renewal of the brand. The second car produced under Brown’s ownership, the DB2, is the car driven by the famous spy in the fictional book Goldfinger by Ian Flemming. The corresponding movie, coming out in 1964, showcases the DB5. Although David Brown has not been at the helm of the company since 1972, Aston Martin cars still wear his initials.
Why No DB8?
As the successor to the DB7, it is believed that Aston Martin decided to skip the name DB8 to avoid confusion about the power of the engine. The DB9 boasts a V12 and it is believed that the name DB8 would suggest a V8 engine. Plus, Aston Martin claims that the differences with the DB7 are so substantial that they warrant skipping a number to show how much more advanced the model is, not unlike Apple did with the iPhone X.
Craftsmanship
Aston Martins are known for their craftsmanship. There is even a plate in each Aston Martin with the name of the mechanic that assembled the motor. Aston Martin prides itself in the tradition of hand assembly. For the DB9, only one robot is used to create the VH platform. “VH” stands for “vertical/horizontal” and refers to the body “platform” of the car including both horizontal and vertical components of the car. This innovative VH structure of bonded aluminum sheets decreased the weight of the DB9 by 25% compared to the DB7 while being extremely resistant to torsion. Apart from this crucial and innovative step, the rest of the production is done by hand!
Drivers particularly appreciate the DB9 Volante as the chassis is 30% stiffer than the coupe variant which improve road performance. The adaptive suspension that can be set on Normal, Sport or Track contributes to the comfort of the drive. Plus, the DB9 has a perfect 50:50 weight distribution. In case of a crash, two hoops that come out of the compartment behind the back seat and the reinforced windshield pillars protect the occupants of the convertible. In the development of the DB9, crash tests were performed at the Volvo crash test safety center in Sweden.
Henrik Fisker is responsible for the look of the DB9, although Ian Callum’s DB7 clearly influenced him. Unlike the generous curves of the cars in the 1990s, the DB9 displays more structured lines, a fashion of the time. The builder call the doors “swan wings” as they open at a slight angle. On top of looking good, they are sure to clear the curb of the sidewalk when opened. Overall, the look of the DB9 respects Aston Martin house codes and traditions.
What Now?
At the model’s launch, some went as far as to declare it an instant classic. To others, the sensational beauty of the car and its great speed proved that Aston Martin, as a brand, was capable of reinventing itself. So, the Aston Martin DB9 Volante’s place in the Demers Car Collection is very much deserved.
The Nitty Gritty
- 5.9L V12 engine;
- 456 bhp;
- Max speed: 295 km/h or about 183 mph;
- 0 to 100 km/h or 62 mph in 4.7 seconds;
- Adaptive suspension (Normal, Sport and Track settings);
- Carbon ceramic brakes.
