What It Is: A thinly camouflaged example of the next-generation Aston Martin DB9. (Our most recent spy shots of the next DB9 were of a more heavily covered car.) The DB9 is Aston’s two-door middle child, slotting between the “entry level” Vantage and the more-powerful DB9-based DBS. This family tree recently grew with the addition of the Virage—a DB9 with unique bodywork and slightly more power—which itself slots between the DB9 and the DBS. Despite a refresh for 2011, the DB9 still looks somewhat stale when parked next to the Virage and the muscular DBS, so more extensive changes are headed its way for 2013. It may also get a new name.
Why It Matters: The DB9 in its current form was introduced way back in 2004, and has since had its place in Aston Martin’s lineup crowded by the smaller V12 Vantage and the aforementioned Virage. Both of those cars are newer and more powerful than the DB9, so a significant update should go a long way in reestablishing the DB9’s place within the Aston family.
Platform: The DB9 should continue to utilize Aston Martin’s aluminum VH architecture, which also underpins every other Aston model. So by “should,” we really mean will.
The 2013 car’s front fascia sees its inlets enlarged and pushed outward, away from the signature Aston Martin grille. The headlights are slimmer and get LED running lights—finally—and the hood gets a few more creases and larger vents. Otherwise, the DB9 gets a more pronounced arc to its rear fender bulges, bigger exhaust outlets, and a dramatically arched rear lip spoiler inspired by the hyper-exotic One-77.
Thanks to: Car and Driver
0 comments:
Post a Comment