ASTON MARTIN DB9 Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Aston Martin was known for creating special editions based on its regular cars, and the 2014 Carbon Edition was one of them that didn’t just add some stickers on the bodywork and a shiny plaque on the interior stating the vehicle’s production number; it was a substantially upgraded vehicle.

By 2014, carbon fiber was no longer a novelty in the automotive sector. Previously, supercars such as the Bugatti EB110 or the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, to name just a few, used this high-tech material. Over time, it became a symbol of high-performance vehicles, and Aston Martin considered that the DB9 deserved special treatment with extensive carbon fiber elements and made it in both versions: coupe and convertible. The latter was traditionally called Volante. But those who wanted to enjoy a stiffer, more racy experience took the fixed-roof version, which was lighter.

The DB9 Coupe Carbon Edition featured some specific visual elements that distinguished it from the regular DB9 V12 sibling. At the front, the automaker installed a carbon fiber splitter under the apron and a mesh that adorned the broad, trapezoidal-shaped lower grille. On the front fenders, Aston Martin installed carbon fiber trims above the vents from the fenders, extended on the door panels. The same expensive and exclusive material was used for decorating the door mirror caps and arms. Furthermore, the automaker replaced the chromed trims around the windows with black ones. At the back, the split taillights featured a carbon fiber piece between the upper and the lower lamps. Finally, the diffuser that decorated the bumper was also made from carbon fiber. Aston Martin offered this special edition either as Carbon Black or Carbon White. The former version sported a black color, while the latter was white. Both versions featured sports exhausts and ten-spoke 20” alloy wheels.

Inside, depending on the options, customers could get contrasting stitching and either the Aston Martin logo or the DB9 label embroidered on the headrests of the front seats. Furthermore, the door handles and the vents’ rims were also finished with a carbon-fiber look, while the sills featured a plaque with the Carbon Edition Black (or White) wording on them. The Alcantara steering wheel was offered as an option for other DB9s, but for this edition, it was standard. Aston Martin knew that its customers wanted to feel special, so they also matched the dial of the analog clock from the center stack with the rest of the interior, featuring the same pattern of a carbon fiber element and a contrasting chromed rim.

Under the hood of the DB9 Carbon Edition, Aston Martin installed its well-known six-liter V12 naturally aspirated engine. It produced 510 hp (517 PS) and 620 Nm (457 lb-ft.) of torque. All the oomph was sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. In addition, all versions of the Carbon Fiber Edition came fitted as standard with carbon-ceramic brakes.

The 2013 Aston Martin DB9 received new updates to fulfill the European regulations regarding pollution norms and safety features.

The DB9 has received a major facelift in 2013 and ended the brief career of the Aston Martin Virage. The facelift was almost the same vehicle, but only on the outside and only at a first look. At a deeper look, new details and features were installed to make the car faster, more fuel-efficient, and more stylish.

For the 2013 model, the DB9 received a bigger grille, new LED daytime running lights, and a light bar on the fenders on top of the side vents. The bi-xenon headlights were fitted as standard. In the rear, the taillights have received a white and clear glass on the lower side. The diffuser was enhanced as well, to accomplish the styling of the Gran tourer.

Inside, there were four seats available even though most probably only the front seats might be used properly. The center console featured aluminum and piano-black surfaces. The infotainment screen was retractable under a lid flush to the upper part of the console.

Under the hood, there was a new AM11 V12 engine that featured a revised block and new head, including dual variable valve timing. A new adaptive suspension was fitted for better cornering speed. Last, but not least, the carbo-ceramic brakes were added to the list.

After six years on the market, Aston Martin unveiled the 2011 model year with minor changes, but upgraded some not-so-visible parts under the GT's skin.

The British carmaker introduced the car at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show, with sales starting in 2004. It was a stylish Grand Tourer with a specific front fascia and long hood. At that time, Aston Martin belonged to Ford, which sold it in 2007 to a consortium led by Prodrive, a company that specialized in motorsports. The new manager, David Richards, revived the company and handed it over later on to Dr. Ulrich Bez, who green-lighted the 2010 makeover for the DB9.

There were subtle changes on the car's exterior, with a new front bumper and a bright finish for the radiator's grille. It featured a reshaped lower intake with a hexagonal-shaped mesh. A new pair of headlights with bezels adorned the front fascia, while on the sides, the carmaker introduced new side sills. To further enhance the car's look, Aston Martin installed 20" light-alloy wheels.

Inside, the center stack featured a new design, with re-assigned dials and buttons that resembled those from a Volvo, even though neither Aston Martin nor the Swedish carmaker was in the same blue-oval company anymore. Also, the key-fob was in the middle of the dashboard, where the "Start" button used to be on the 2004 model.

Under the skin, the 2010 DB9 featured the same VH platform developed by Ford but enhanced. It provided adaptive dampers in all corners, which dramatically improved the comfort or the handling at a touch of a button. Last but not least, Aston Martin improved the engine's power by 27 horses, leading to a better 0 to 100 kph (0-60 mph) time.

The DB9 was launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show in late 2003. It was built on a completely new platform developed by Ford and its design was signed by two great designers: Ian Calum and Henrik Fisker.

The car came on the market after the DB7. Following the naming tradition, it should have been named DB8 but the car-maker was afraid that the customers will think that it had a V8 under the hood. Actually, it was a V12 taken from the Aston Martin Vanquish. It was the most performant car from Aston Martin's lineup and later on, it was lined-up in the FIA endurance championship.

The car was a step above the DB7 with a more aerodynamic look, but it still featured the classic Aston Martin “shell” grille. The raked A-pillars and the low-profiled greenhouse was extended in the back by a sloped rear windscreen. It was a supercar dressed like a GT vehicle.

Inside, the DB9 featured a luxurious interior covered in leather, aluminum, and wood. The latter was used in two places only: on top of the center of the dashboard and, as an option, for the door caps. The brushed aluminum pedals were part of the sporty image.

Like the Aston Martin Vanquish, the DB9 featured a 5.9-liter V12 engine. While the engine was in the front, the gearbox was in the back for better weight distribution. It was fitted with a standard 6-speed manual, but there was an option for a 6-speed automatic.