Engineering

The propeller shaft is particularly innovative: it is manufactured from carbon-fibre for lightness and improved transmission refinement. The ‘swan-wing’ doors are another elegant and ingenious design feature, opening out and up to improve access and prevent the doors being scuffed on high kerbs. The DB9 also pioneered the use of ‘ultrasonic’ welding, which is 90% stronger than conventional spot welding, and results in a better finish, yet uses only 5% of the energy.

Aston Martin has developed its own incredibly light and strong aerospace-specification bonded aluminium structure. This unique ‘VH’ (Vertical Horizontal) structure gives the DB9 one of the most structurally efficient body frames in the car industry. Its huge rigidity aids handling, driver feedback and safety. More than any other single component, the advanced aluminium structure is the reason for DB9’s extraordinary nimbleness, responsiveness and overall character.