2012 Aston Martin DB9 Convertible Review



2012 Aston Martin DB9 Convertible

 Introduction

The Aston Martin DB9 is no longer available with a manual transmission. The previously antiquated navigation system has been replaced by an improved Garmin-powered unit. Finally, there are two new special editions for 2012 known as the Luxury and the Sport.

Unfortunately, a manual transmission is no longer offered on the DB9. While it was a rare choice among owners, when a car company specializes in allowing customers to specialize their cars, it seems odd that it would eliminate the manual for those who'd want one. If you really want to row your own gears, you'll have to step down to a Vantage or up to a DBS.

That's not to say the DB9 is all show and no go. It brings to the table the same lightweight yet structurally rigid all-aluminum platform that underpins every Aston Martin. Though it dates back to 2004, this platform has continuously been updated over the years. For instance, the DB9 convertible (Volante) was significantly strengthened to eliminate the shuttering and jiggling that used to occur when traveling on broken pavement. Just last year, the two-mode adaptive suspension from the DBS was added to simultaneously improve the DB9's handling and already compliant ride.


If anything, the lack of a manual backs up the notion that the 2012 Aston Martin DB9 is not intended to be an ultimate automotive thrill machine. Instead, the DB9 coupe and the DB9 Volante convertible are considered GT cars. While boasting a more dynamic driving experience than a Bentley Continental GT, both DB9s are comfortable and spacious enough to drive from Miami to Los Angeles without making your butt go numb, your ears ring or your luggage remain at home. The interior's masterful collection of fine leathers, rich woods and even sapphire crystal make such a trip all the more enjoyable. The DB9 is one of the rare everyday exotics, and although it will be forever remembered for its beauty, it's pretty good at going from A to B as well.

Safety

The 2012 Aston Martin DB9 comes with antilock brakes with brake assist, traction and stability control, front side airbags (which protect head and torso), and front and rear parking sensors. The Volante comes standard with automatically deploying rollover bars.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2012 Aston Martin DB9 features a 6.0-liter V12 that sends 470 hp and 443 pound-feet of torque to its rear wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission rear/mid-mounted for optimum weight balance. Aston Martin says the coupe will go from zero to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, while the convertible should be a few ticks slower. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 13 mpg city/20 mpg highway and 15 mpg combined.

Interior Design and Special Features

It's difficult to find a surface in the DB9 that's not covered in soft leather, while veneer, alloy trim and even sapphire crystal fill in the blanks. Easily deciphered buttons combine with a central screen to create fairly simple and user-friendly audio/climate controls. Thankfully, the DB9's previously antiquated navigation system has been replaced by a new Garmin-powered unit that's much easier to operate.

The driver seat is marvelously comfortable, with ample leg- and headroom for taller drivers. Unfortunately the four-way power passenger seat doesn't offer the same amount of adjustability and comfort. The two rear seats are glorified parcel shelves, while the trunk offers enough room for a set of golf clubs and a suitcase. The cabin's decent outward visibility makes the DB9 less onerous to drive than some other exotics. The Volante's visibility is understandably worse, and wind buffeting can be a little tiresome.

One ergonomic quibble is the way the needles of the electroluminescent gauges rotate in opposite directions -- the speedometer goes clockwise, the tachometer goes counter-clockwise. The speedometer's tiny numbers also render it useless, although there's a digital speedometer in the trip computer as a backup.

2012 Aston Martin DB9 Convertible