Aston Martin DB9 Gets Refresh with 517ps and New Front End

Aston MartinAston MartinUnited Kingdom, 1914 > present62 models
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has revealed a major refresh for the 2013 DB9Aston Martin DB9United Kingdom, 2003 > present25 versions
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that updates the front of the car and gives the car Aston Martin's latest V12 engine with 517ps. The updates are available in both the coupe and Volante convertible body styles. 

One of the major changes to the car is the new AM11 V12 engine with 517ps and 620Nm of torque. The engine was first developed for the new VanquishAston Martin Vanquish Gen.1 [AM310]United Kingdom, 2012 > present22 versions
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. The previous V12 in the DB9 produced 476ps and 600Nm of torque. 

Compared to the previous V12, the new engine has variable valve timing, larger throttle bodies and a more powerful fuel pump. The new engine also sits lower in the car than the previous version.

The refresh updates the front end with longer, sharper bi-xenon headlights with LED running lights. Aston Martin says that the look of the front is inspired by the One-77Aston Martin One-77United Kingdom, 2009 > 20125 photos
supercar. It also gets a new lower front bumper that gives the car a lower, more planted look. The larger air openings send cool air to the standard carbon ceramic brakes, which save about 12.5kg over the last DB9. Aston Martin also offers an optional carbon fiber lower front splitter to make the car look a little sportier. 

The DB9 gets a new leather interior that was first introduced in the VirageAston Martin Virage (modern)United Kingdom, 2011 > present3 versions
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. The new interior features leather welts, which are created by sandwiching leather between leather seat panels. The switchgear in the car is made from glass. 

Aston Martin is offering new carbon fiber-frame seats with Kevlar fabric on the new DB9 but only purely two-seat cars. The seats save 17kg and have larger side bolsters to hold occupants. 

“My team here at Gaydon has been working hard for many months to improve and update key aspects of this superb sports GT – the mainstay of our sports car range – and I believe the results to be exceptional," said Aston Martin CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez. 

The refreshed DB9 is also meant to be safer. On impact with pedestrians, the new bonnet and lower engine provide more of a cushion than the previous version. The grill is designed to move back in an accident, and there are cutouts in the fenders to allow them to deform more. 

The newest DB9 also comes with Aston Martin's fourth generation Adaptive Damping System that has three modes: Normal, Sport and Track. The system tunes the dampers to allow for a harder or softer suspension setup as the driver desires. 

Aston Martin has also added a few more optional upgrades to the new DB9. These items include a reverse camera, Carbon Packs for the interior and exterior, leather headliner and many more bespoke options. 

"Taking the best elements of Virage, adding important new upgrades and combining these with the iconic DB9 nomenclature we have created a compelling new Sports GT that sits proudly at the very heart of the Aston Martin sports car range," said Aston Martin Product Manager Andy Haslam.

The 2013 DB9 goes on sale in the UK and Europe in October for £131,995 or €174,994, respectively. Sales will begin in the rest of the world in 2013. In the US it will cost $185,400, and in Japan it will be  ¥21,995,000.