The VIP Legacy Of Aston Martin & Bond… James Bond
by Jean-Philippe Blanchard
Aston Martin… the name and car will always be synonymous
with Bond, James Bond. Adjectives such as, sleek and speedy
come to mind at first sight. With a 50 year partnership,
Aston Martin and the 007 franchise is one of the most
enduring love affairs in film history.
It all began in 1964 with ‘Goldfinger,’ when Sean Connery
drove the gadget packed DB5. The iconic car was seen again
in ‘Thunderball,’ ‘Goldeneye,’ ‘Tomorrow Never Dies,’ Casino
Royale’ and ‘Skyfall.’ Then came the DBS, the V8, V12
Vanquish and the DBS V12. Talk about a car legacy.
Now, a half century since its debut, Aston Martin premiered
the DB10 in the latest bond adventure, ‘Spectre.’ This next
generation model is just as perfectly tailor-made for Daniel
Craig as his modish suits. In fact, this is the first time
that a car has been created specifically for James Bond.
The DB10 is so exclusive that only 10 of the bespoke sports
cars were developed and built by the designers, engineers
and highly skilled craftspeople at Aston Martin’s Gaydon
headquarters. The design broke manufacturing timing records
in the industry, creating the car in six months.
But, while the DB10 may not be a production car for
consumers, if you’re in the market for an Aston Martin with
that Bond flair, the DB9 and DB9GT will suit your style just
fine.
Called the most potent DB9 yet devised, it has a raft of
color, trim and equipment enhancements across its sporty
Vantage and luxurious Rapide S model lines.
Fundamental to the new model’s unique appeal is its uprated
6.0-liter V12 petrol engine, which is capable of generating
540 bhp at 6750 rpm, and 457 lb. ft of torque at 5,500 rpm.
The all-alloy, quad overhead cam, 48-valve 5,935 cc front
mid-mounted V12 is mated to the proven rear mid-mounted
Touchtronic II six-speed transmission with electronic
shift-by-wire control system.
And the selling point feature that peaks Bond’s interest:
The DB9 reaches 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, and on to a top speed
of 183 mph. The independent double wishbone suspension all
round continues to deliver secure handling while the
three-stage Adaptive Damping System (ADS) offers distinct
Normal, Sport and Track modes for the broadest possible
breadth of dynamic characteristics.
Inside, the 2+2 seating configuration remains, however, the
seats now boast ‘GT’ embroidery on the unique ‘Glen Coe’
fluted leather. An iridium trim pack and Alcantara-wrapped
steering wheel (Coupe only) further distinguish the new
car.
A broad array of options inside the DB9 GT include various
center console finishes such as Ice Mocha and Copper Cuprum,
while other interior options include Duotone leather seats,
door inserts and head linings; and a One-77-inspired
steering wheel design.
Building on the system launched in the Vanquish, the DB9
GT’s AMi II infotainment package sees key improvements made
in a number of areas including text message integration,
vehicle status information and extended background themes
for greater personalization. Offering AM, FM, DAB and SDAR
reception (US only), USB ports, and Bluetooth audio
streaming, the system delivers superb connectivity and
entertainment.
Mr. Bond may have an Aston Martin and a license to kill, but
anyone with a DB9 will have a license to turn heads.
For any pricing information, visit: www.astonmartin.com