2007 Aston Martin DB9

The modern-day version of James Bond’s classic British sports car receives more standard equipment and a newly optional suspension package.

This car was designed to ensure Aston Martin’s continued survival into 21st century in light of its past financial troubles.

A brawny V12 engine,stunning styling and sumptuous appointments make this one of the most desirable cars in the world.

The DB9 is available as a two-seat Volante convertible or a 2+2 coupe with. This Aston Martin replaced the preceding DB7 in 2004. Production is limited to 2,000 units per year worldwide.

Both versions receive updated power front seats for 2007,with dual-stage heating, electric seat-back releases and lumbar adjustments included.

Side-impact airbags and occupant-sensing technology (to determine at what force the front airbags will deploy in a collision) are also incorporated.

Other new features include a garage-door opener, remote trunk release, an autodimming rearview mirror, LED illumination in the door handles and memory settings for the seats and mirrors. Front parking sensors are now offered as a no-cost option. Trunk space in the coupe is expanded slightly — from 5.4 to 6.5 cubic feet — which is achieved by relocating the car’s outboard audio amplifier, first aid kit and tire-inflation equipment.

Sport Pack takes the car’s already capable handling abilities up a notch(optional for 2007 model). The Sport Pack lowers the car by six millimeters and also features five-spoke lightweight forged aluminum alloy wheels. It includes revised dampers, springs and front anti-roll bar.

The DB9’s handsome aluminum body is arguably one of the most attractive around, with a broad, deep front grille, typical of Aston Martin, between large oval headlamps. Graceful compound curves run rearward over a long hood to culminate in a short deck. The windshield is steeply raked and the roofline low. "Swan wing" doors open slightly upward (by 12 degrees) to ease entry and exit and prevent the doors from swinging too far open and getting dinged.

The DB9 comes powered by a 450-hp version of the 6.0-liter V12 engine that is also found in Aston Martin’s V12 Vanquish S, which for 2007 is no longer offered in the U.S.

 The DB9 is constructed from an aluminum-bonded unibody frame, whose lightness and rigidity are designed to aid agility and ride comfort. A rear-mounted transaxle contributes to the ideal front-to-rear weight distribution which, along with a double-wishbone suspension and 19-inch wheels and tires, creates tenacious handling without too harsh of a ride. Dynamic stability control, electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist are standard.

Electroluminescent displays and conventional instruments mingle in the elegant interior. Unlike most vehicles, the DB9’s tachometer runs counterclockwise (supposedly to save space in the instrument panel) and does not feature a conventional red line to indicate the engine’s rpm limit. Here, the limit varies according to such factors as outside temperature and how recently the engine was started; a red warning light comes on to indicate when the current red line has been reached.

The DB9 Volante features a multilayer, fully automatic soft-top with a glass rear window that includes a heating element.

Options for both models include a color-keyed, leather-wrapped steering wheel and a 950-watt audiophile system from noted high-end home stereo component maker Linn.