Saturday, February 11, 2006

Aston's erstwhile designer Henrik Fisker


(continued)

Although it is not as focused a high-performance car as the DB9 coupe, there are few disadvantages to offset the joys of open-air driving. With the roof up, the hard-to-reach rear seats are somewhat claustrophobic, and the small, shallow rear window limits the driver's rear vision. Aston says the roof stays firmly in place at its maximum speed, which is limited to 165 mph, 21 mph less than the coupe. It reckons that's as fast as convertible customers will want to go, top up or down.

And what of its looks? The DB9 is the work of Aston's erstwhile designer Henrik Fisker, but it's clearly influenced by Ian Callum's DB7. That predecessor was among the all-time automotive beauties but lost its perfect proportions when the roof came off. The longer, lower, and more lithe DB9, sans lid, retains its winning style. The DB9 Volante pleases the aesthetes as much as the extroverts.

Aston Martin DB9 Volante
Vehicle type: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 2+2-passenger, 2-door convertible
Estimated base price: $178,000-$182,000
Engine type: DOHC 48-valve V-12, aluminum block and heads, port fuel injection
Displacement: 362 cu in, 5935cc
Power (SAE net): 449 bhp @ 6000 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 420 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm

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Transmissions: 6-speed automatic with
manumatic shifting,
6-speed manual
Wheelbase: 107.9 in
Length/width/height: 185.4/73.8/49.6 in
Curb weight: 4150 lb
Performance ratings (C/D est):
Zero to 60 mph: 4.9-5.0 sec
Top speed (governor limited): 165 mph
Projected fuel economy (mfr's est):
EPA city driving: 11 mpg
EPA highway driving: 19 mpg

posted by Tata @ Saturday, February 11, 2006   0 comments  

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