2006 Aston Martin DB9 Model Update

To Die For

Virtually unchanged for 2006, Aston Martin's powerful all-aluminum DB9 is the ultimate British sports car.

Did You Know ...

The “DB” in DB9 stands for David Brown, who owned Aston Martin throughout much of its glory days. Ford Motor Co. currently owns the company.

The car was named the DB9 — rather than the DB8 as logic would otherwise dictate, being the successor to the DB7 — because the latter might suggest that it packs only a V8, rather than a V12, engine.

Sean Connery in front of his co-star, the Aston Martin DB5. Click here to read about other famous Bondmobiles. + enlarge image  |  go to article >

The DB9’s most famous predecessor is the DB5, produced from 1963 to 1965 and best known as James Bond’s celebrated ride in films like Goldfinger and Thunderball, starring Sean Connery. His version featured a machine gun, an ejection seat, a smoke screen and oil slick dispensers, as well as front and rear retractable ramming arms. While such gadgets have yet to make it onto today’s cars, at least one of the James Bond DB5 gizmos has become increasingly common: the mobile telephone.

The DB9 was designed by Ian Callum and Henrik Fisker. Fisker left Aston Martin to found his own car company of the same name, offering two ultra-luxury models that launch in 2006. One is essentially a restyled Mercedes-Benz SL; the other is a restyled BMW 6 Series.

DB5 image courtesy of MGM/Everett Collection