2008 Aston Martin DB9 LM
When thinking of Aston Martin and their line of supreme cars, racing and supreme style come immediately to mind. Within a very short time, Aston Martin has made a niche in the racing market and wooed car fanatics around the world with their sleek beauty and above average handling. Topping the list as Britain's most iconic vehicle, it comes out ahead as the first choice for 'Ultimate Dream Cars' with UK drivers. Surprisingly enough, it beats out even Ferrari and Porsche models. In just 2 short years the Aston Martin models have obtained Ferrari-style exclusivity among buyers. These cars have topped the 'Coolest Brand' list for cars 2 years running. The Aston Martin has even made appearances in a couple of James Bond 007 movies.
Production of these fine cars have grown to more than 5,000 cars per year and many are waiting to see if the momentum will continue since Ford has sold Aston Martin to a private consortium led by Prodrive founder David Richards for more than $925 million.
Aston Martin has recently released the special edition 2008 DB9 LM at the Frankfurt motor show to commemorate Aston's recent achievements in the GT1 class at the 24 hours of Le Mans racing circuit this past June. The elegance and supreme vision of this fine machine is coveted throughout Britain and the world. Would Aston Martin remodel a new machine each time they win a race? No one is quite sure yet, but I am sure there won't be many complaints if they do.
Respected publishers such as Popular Mechanics, Car and Driver, Automobile Magazine all have raved about the quality and design of the new DB9 LM. I have yet to encounter a single negative comment about this fine piece of machinery. This vehicle is the most thoroughly tested and engineered car in the history of Aston Martin. It also belongs in a technically sophisticated class of its very own.
The Aston Martin DB9, is a Grand tourer vehicle that was launched by Aston Martin in 2004 and was the first new car to be built at Aston's Gaydon, Warwickshire facility. The prefix of "DB" comes from David Brown, the owner of Aston Martin for a large part of its manufacturing history. This model was designed by Ian Callum and finished by his successor, Henrik Fisker.
This new product is available in the coupe style only, is equipped with rear-wheel drive and comes with a dynamic Touchtronic 6-speed automatic transmission. Amazingly enough, only 124 DB9 LMs will be manufactured, 1 for each dealer, with exclusive features entailing Sarthe Silver exterior coloring, enclosing silver mesh grille inserts, exterior vents and a rear crossbar detailed in silver. A numbered sill plaque is a nice touch with the also optional DB9 sports suspension pack with red brake calipers visible under color-keyed and diamond turned 19 alloy inch wheels. The disc brakes with 355 mm at the front and 330 at the rear are ventilated and grooved to help with cooling and boost braking performance. Mounted are four piston monobloc calipers to provide great stopping power with a firm and progressive pedal.
The driving force of the DB9 LM is the Ford-engineered 450 horsepower, 6.0-liter aluminum block and valvetrain, Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC), which echoes fine performance. The newest release has rack and pinion steering with 3.0 turns lock to lock. The exceptional performance of this vehicle is undisputed at to speeds up to 300 km/h (186.5 mph) and the 0-60 ratio is in only 4.7 seconds. The 12-cylinder engine has a total of 450 (331.2 KW) horsepower at 6,000 rpm. The torque is 570.00 NM (420.3 Ft-Lbs) at 5,000 rpm. The compression ratio is 10.3:1. The top speeds are quite comparable to the Dodge Viper.
The body frame of the DB9 LM is bonded in aluminum and has been labeled as the most technologically advanced sports car. It acquires above average agility from the fact that it has perfect 50/50 weight distribution. One exceptional characteristic of this shows that by placing the gearbox in the rear, the suspension is light and made of aluminum as well; handling is unprecedented and very functional. The dimensions of the BD9 LM are similar in size to the Dodge Viper.
The Aston Martin body is of genuine quality and harmony. It emits an aerodynamic function that cannot be outdone by its competitors. These fine pieces of machinery are designed to give the impression that they are moving even when at a standstill. It manages to drive arrow-straight at extremely high speeds and yet still keeps it's grace about it.
Even the interior of the Astin Martin is harmonious and luxurious. You are seated as low and close to the car's center of gravity managing to emit to you the overall feeling of balance and dynamic behavior when operating. The inside is a special handcrafted black leather interior, perforated leather inserts, with unique 'Terte Rouge' fascia trim.
Personal safety is of utmost importance for the DB9 LM. The aluminum structure is designed to cocoon its passengers with crumple zones on the front and rear. Dual-stage driver and passenger air bags along with seat-mounted side airbags and seatbelt pretensioners give safety of the highest quality. Volvo in Sweden is the leader in automotive safety engineering. Astin uses this dynamic to create and test their DB9 models with Volvo technology right on site.
Equipped with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), the Aston Martin give optimal braking performance for any situation. When an emergency arises, the EBA sensors detect when maximum braking is needed and apply the appropriate force for the occasion.
And for your listening pleasure, the DB9 is equipped with the industry favorite Linn 128 W audio system including a CD changer. Exceptional features such as satellite navigation, cruise control and memory mirrors are exceptional to have with this sports car.
Pricing is estimated at $190,000 US and the cars will be available in early 2008.
By Fei Lim.
Visit the Blog about aston martin db5 for sale2007 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Car Review
You'll Like This Car If: If you enjoy a classic combination of sensuous sheetmetal and a well-connected chassis, the V8 Vantage won't disappoint. Its 4.3-liter V8 is a visceral yet viable piece of machinery, offering performance more accessible than its $115K price point might suggest. In contrast to the Vantage's day-in, day-out capability, the performance parameters demonstrated by many of its more exotic brethren (Porsche 911 Turbo, Ferrari F430) are not as accessible, often requiring a private track to properly demonstrate and/or enjoy.
You May Not Like This Car If: If your dream coach is one capable of carrying you, a companion and two weeks' worth of luggage, the V8 Vantage will disappoint. Its interior is generous within the context of the genre, and it does offer space for two (reasonably) well outfitted travelers, but don't press the V8 into service for runs to the airport or Home Depot. The V8's proportions constitute an extension of the driver, assuming that driver is neither 300 pounds nor a serial shopper.
Exterior: With the popularity of Aston's direct competitors (Porsche 911, Mercedes SL) making their shapes---at least in major metro areas---almost commonplace, the aggressive, albeit mature, lines of the V8 Vantage demand your attention. While some might draw comparisons with Jaguar's XK Coupe, the smaller Aston offers a visual balance speaking to both the carmaker's storied past (Aston Martin won LeMans in '59 with Carroll Shelby as co-driver) and now-promising future. The V8's front is dominated by Aston's traditional grille and (optional) xenon headlamps, while its profile is marked by a compelling side vent and strake and the roof tapers provocatively to a functional hatch and integrated spoiler.
Interior: In what Aston describes as "a synthesis of high technology and hand-crafted elegance" the prospect is struck by the Vantage interior's authenticity and comfortable accommodation. The leather seating epitomizes its "bucket" descriptive, but will realistically accommodate a "wide" variety of dimensions. Speedo and tach are front and center, and feature an organic electroluminescent display, more easily read---we're told---than more conventional LCDs. Finally, the tach---reading to 8,000 rpm---registers counterclockwise, a process which should amuse throughout the ownership period. Everything---as reviewers are wont to say---falls readily to hand, with few of the ergonomic nightmares that often befall the limited production sports car.
Notable Standard Equipment: The list of standard equipment is fully appropriate to a $115K purchase. Functionally, the base model includes Dynamic Stability Control, Traction Control and Electronic Brake-force Distribution. Inside, you're supported by a full-grain leather interior, remain comfortable with automatic temperature control and kept secure by an alarm and immobilizer.
Notable Options: Typically, we'd note the attractiveness of the Sportshift manumatic, navigation system and premium 700-watt sound system; however, ordering a Vantage V8---or anything from Aston Martin---is anything but typical. A choice of twenty exterior colors and twenty interior hues is augmented by "Out of Range" paint (you want Miata yellow---you can get Miata yellow) for $1,595 or "Match to Sample" paint for $3,785. You can spec the interior in a similar manner. The Sports Pack provides more aggressive Pirelli tires in combination with alloy wheels finished in an anthracite finish. Notably, not every addition requires a four-figure check. Fine stitching is only $220, a color-keyed steering wheel is under $300 and piano black fascia trim is $750. Personalization of this order is rarely this inexpensive.
Pricing Notes: A Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $114,550 confirms the Vantage V8 as expensive. However, among a growing number of big-buck GTs from Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati, this Aston seems almost attainable. With the gas guzzler penalty and transportation, along with typical options, expect to invest around $125K for a V8 built to your order.
Driving Impressions: Everything in the Vantage's new spec is designed for the driver. Beginning with a bonded structure composed of aluminum alloy, steel, magnesium and composite materials, Aston installs a 4.3-liter V8 and rear-mounted, six-speed manual transmission. The balanced 49/51 weight distribution is immediately evident, as is the powertrain's relatively flat torque delivery. As Aston suggests, the driving characteristics are perfect for both track days and shopping treks, helped in no small part by precise shifting, reasonable visibility and accurate rack-and-pinion steering. The multi-link suspension is well controlled, and supplies prodigious grip and adequate comfort even on the pock-marked pavement of our urban test.
By Siree Chamberlain.
