You can rest assure that when Aston Martin presents a new model – let alone a facelift of an existing vehicle, you will have a very hard time telling the differences from their predecessors, which is the obviously the case with the refreshed 2013 DB9 in both Coupe and Volante (convertible) body styles.
According to the British automaker, the styling changes on the DB9 are “reminiscent of the outgoing Virage, which ceases production with immediate effect”. We will remind you that the Virage was presented last year to close the invisible gap between the DB9 and the DBS, which has now itself been replaced by the new Vanquish.
We will start our tour of the 2013 DB9 with the exterior makeover that includes a redesigned hood, front grille surround and bumper, new front fender air vents, a new design for the rear bumper and the boot that incorporates a much more pronounced spoiler lip to improve aerodynamics.
Aston Martin says the interior benefits from higher-quality materials and can be ordered in a 2+2 or two-seat configuration. If the latter is selected, buyers can also equip the DB9 with the optional lightweight sport seats that save 17kg (38 lbs) per car.
Among the other new options available are a reversing camera (standard in the U.S.), two Carbon Packs, one for the exterior and the other for the interior trim, and leather headlining.
While the 2013 DBS keeps the same chassis as before, engineers have made some enhancements including the braking system that now uses as standard the Brembo-sourced Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) discs and calipers that save 12.5kg (27.5 lbs) over the conventional brakes, and the 4th generation of the brand’s Adaptive Damping System (ADS) with three modes (Normal, Sport and Track).
Under the hood, the eight-year old DB9 gets the latest generation of the AM11 5.9-liter V12 engine with a revised block and new head including dual variable valve timing, enlarged throttle bodies, uprated fuel pump, revised intake manifold and machined combustion chambers.
These changes increase output from 470Hp (477PS) to 510Hp (517PS) and torque from 600Nm (442 lb-ft) to 620Nm (457 lb-ft). According to the automaker, the engine is now positioned slightly lower than before.
The new DB9 completes the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint 0.2 seconds faster than the previous model at 4.6 seconds but has a 5km/h (3mph) lower top speed at 295 km/h (183 mph).
“The introduction of this significantly enhanced 13MY car means Aston Martin buyers have a very clear and compelling model line-up from which to choose,” said DB9 product manager, Andy Haslam.
“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,” he added.
The 2013 DB9 will premiere at the Paris Motor Show at the end of September with the first cars to arrive in dealerships in the UK and Western Europe this October.
Prices start at £131,995 in the UK, €174,994 in Germany, $185,400 in the U.S.A. and 21,995,000 yen in Japan.
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