2013 Aston Martin DB9 doubles down with vaunted V12

The 2013 Aston Martin DB9 is getting a power boost thanks to parts and pieces from under the hood of the upcoming Vanquish.

The updated DB9 borrows some of the engine architecture and hardware from the Vanquish, enabling output from the 5.9-liter V12 to reach 510 hp and 457 lb-ft of torque. Those are considerable increases compared with today's car, which is rated at 470 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque.

The British sports-car maker calls this latest generation of engine the “Gen4 VH architecture.”

Aston says the engine has an updated block, revised intake manifold and uprated fuel pump. The sprint to 62 mph is accomplished in 4.6 seconds, a whisker faster than previously (4.8 seconds). Top speed is now 183 mph, a touch slower than 186 mph from the last version.

By comparison, the Ferrari-fighting Vanquish makes 565 hp and 457 lb-ft from a 5.9-liter V12, and it arrives early next year (“Aston Amazes,” Autoweek, June 25, 2012). The fortified DB9 is part of a streamlined Aston portfolio, as the Virage has ended production.

The DB9 launches in November in the United States. Prices start at $187,515, including destination and gas-guzzler fees. It will be offered in coupe and Volante (convertible) styles.

The changes for 2013 also include carbon-ceramic discs and calipers from Brembo and adaptive damping for the chassis that can run in normal, sport and track modes. Plus, carbon packages will be available as upgrades to the interior and exterior.

2013 Aston Martin DB9: First Look

Body: aluminum, magnesium alloy and steel; 2+2 configuration

Engine: 5.9-liter (5,935-cc) V12; 510 hp, 457 lb-ft

Gearbox: rear, mid-mounted six-speed automatic

Base Wheels: 20-inch five-spoke cast alloy

Quotable: Andy Haslam, DB9 product manager: “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.”

By Greg Migliore