We’ve already reported that the legendary Aston Martin DB5 James Bond car that starred in both Goldfinger (1964) and Thunderball (1965) had been sold at an RM Auctions event for an impressive $4,608,500. The car went to an American bidder who planned on displaying it at his private collection in Ohio. Now Aston Martin has decided to delight us with a few images that show the DB5 next to the new 2011 DB9. Old versus new, what can be better than that?
The Aston Martin DB5 is already known as the most famous car in the world, while the DB9 is regarded by many as the most beautiful sports grand tourer on sale today. Just like the DB5 – the luxury zeitgeist of the 1960s, the DB9 is hand-tailored to customer specification and uses the latest technology.
These unique images show the revised DB9 new for 2011, in the aptly named Quantum Silver paint finish together with the actual car from the 1964 film. The optional paint is the same color as the DBS that featured in the film Quantum of Solace in 2008.
Press release after the jump.
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A few days ago, we showed you an Aston Martin DBS Carbon Black Edition that was butchered by its owner when he decided to turn it into a pseudo Art Car similar to the one made by artist Jeff Koons with the BMW M3 GT2.
Thankfully, we don’t have to wallow in the sight of that car because here we have an Aston Martin DB9 that has been dressed up in gold. What’s more, it’s the type of gold finish that doesn’t leave us squinting as if we just took a long look at the sun. It’s got an ostentatious look to it yet it doesn’t come across as too flamboyant, which really is the only thing that could ruin a DB9 because, well, this car just reeks and oozes of awesomeness.
And if you happen to be smitten with this car just like us – and you got some serious moolah in your pockets – you can actually buy this car for $152,608. It’s got a steep sticker to it, but it’s still an Aston Martin DB9, which if you didn’t know, holds the distinction of being the UK’s favorite car of the last 25 years.
When Aston Martin unveiled the One-77 supercar, everyone was amazed. After all, it’s not every day you see a $1.4 million supercar with such a dynamic design come from the British company. The amazement wasn’t short-lived either as all 77 units of the supercar sold out as quickly as they were unveiled. With such a stupendous response, and such a quick sellout, Aston Martin has decided to apply the same treatment for the future DB9.
So, in 2013 we will see a new generation DB9 (probably carrying the DB10 nomenclature) with styling cues borrowed from the limited-edition One-77 coupe. We are expecting Aston to stick with the aluminum spaceframe for another generation before Aston jumps on the carbon fiber wagon.
The recently redesigned DB9 is powered by a 6.0-liter V12 engine delivering an unchanged 470bhp and 442lb ft of torque and mated to a choice of six-speed ‘Touchtronic’ paddle-shift automatic or six-speed H-pattern manual transmission. The sprint from 0 to 60 mph is made in just 4.6 seconds and top speed goes up to 190 mph.
The British have a certain man working on their side to make sure the world stays baddie free. Sure, he is a made-up character by Ian Fleming, but what does that matter? He loves vodka martinis, women, and watches, but most of all, he loves his Aston Martins. If you haven’t guessed his name by now you have been under a rock for quite some time.
James Bond, played by Sean Connery, Roger Moore, Daniel Craig, and a few others, has a certain sophistication that makes him who he is. Bond might not be the fastest, the quickest, or the best, but that’s not why we love him. Aston Martins are the same way. They can be out dueled by a Ferrari and out cornered by a Lamborghini, but we don’t love them any less because of that.
Astons aren’t about breakneck speed or snap your spine cornering. They aren’t about flashy looks or massive rear exhausts, in fact, they are quiet and conservative compared to their Italian counterparts and you know what? We love them for it.
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After seven years of successful history, the Aston Martin DB9 has received a complete package of styling, engineering, and equipment enhancements. Prices in the UK will begin at £122,445 ($182,775) for the Coupe and £131,445 ($196,000) for the Volante.
On the exterior the biggest change is a new bumper with a re-shaped lower intake featuring hexagonal mesh to compliment the new bright finish radiator grille. The DB9 also gets a more prominent ‘hockey stick’ curve ahead of the rear wheels, silver brake calipers, 20-spoke diamond turned alloy wheels as standard, together with new design option wheels and a bright finish grille.
Under the hood there is a 6.0-liter V12 engine delivering an unchanged 470bhp and 442lb ft of torque and mated to a choice of six-speed ‘Touchtronic’ paddle-shift automatic or six-speed H-pattern manual transmission. The sprint from 0 to 60 mph is made in just 4.6 seconds and top speed goes up to 190 mph. Also the DB9’s passive damping system has been replaced by a new Adaptive Damping System (ADS), which offers enhanced ride comfort together with sharper handling when switched to Sport mode.
Updated 09/07/2010: Aston Martin today announced US prices for the 2011 DB9 sports car that will go on sale in the third quarter of this year. The coupe version will be priced at $187,615 for the Coupe, and $201,115 for the Volante.
Press release after the jump.
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