By Francisca Gambino
“Built for Bond”
Sleek and aggressively stylish with bespoke finishes, the new Aston Martin DB10 is the Bond car for the latest 007 flick SPECTRE, due out in theatres November 6, 2015. The sports car with the Hollywood appeal, the British manufactured automobile was designed in collaboration between Aston Martin and the film’s director, Sam Mendes.
For over half a century, Aston Martin has been the car of choice for the iconic spy. While not exclusive to the Bond series, the Aston Martin DB5 is by far the most recognized vehicle in the 007 collection of gadget-equipped automobiles. True to form, the spy’s flare for the dramatic is again exemplified, this time in the DB10’s striking design. Boasting the classic Aston Martin profile, the car has the internal workings of a V8 Vantage but with a longer wheelbase, wider track and more exotic front end.
Production of the DB10 will be limited to 10 vehicles, strictly for film use. Under the direction of Aston Martin’s Chief Creative Officer, Mark Reichman, the design team worked closely with film executives to “create the ultimate car for the world’s most famous spy.” In a press release issued by the luxury car manufacturer, the DB10 was described as a “glimpse into the future design direction for the next generation of Aston Martins.”
However, for this generation of Preferred drivers anxious to get behind the wheel of a Bond-esque Aston Martin, the new DB9 and DB9 Carbon Edition are just the ticket. Described as a perfectly proportioned form designed for elegance and balance, the new model DB9 is engineered for peak performance. Its sleek exterior lines including a pronounced rear boot ‘flip’ and new bonnet structure make this the most aerodynamic DB9 ever produced.
Powered by the all-new AM11 engine, the cars 6.0–litre capacity delivers 510 HP, a 0-62 mph time of 4.6 seconds, and 620 Nm of torque. The lightweight aluminum core structure is built for maximum rigidity and strength, affording the DB9 outstanding performance, agility and safety. And, making its DB9 debut are the innovative Carbon Ceramic Matrix brakes. Lighter than traditional steel brakes, the cars cutting edge brakes deliver precision handling at a level never seen before on a DB9 model.
New and improved is definitely the catchphrase for the Aston Martin DB9 and the features list endless. Introducing DB9 breakthrough suspension technology. The Gen4 is a state-of-theart, three stage Adaptive Damping System (ADS) that allows the driver to tailor ‘Normal’, ‘Sport’, and ‘Track’ modes to instantly adjust to conditions, road surface, and speed. Also, new to the Aston Martin DB9 model are headlights equipped with ‘HID’ Xenon gas bulbs. The Xenon technology is used on both high and low beam settings, increasing seeing distance of up to 70% over previous models.
Bespoke finished to exquisite detail, the interior of the new DB9 includes unique hand stitched Bride of Weir leather hide interiors available in a variety of colour combinations, and real jewel-like glass control switches, polished and machined to be tactile and comfortable to the touch. Rounding out the Bondesque feel for the Aston Martin DB9 driver, the vehicle has its own version of Q. Q by Aston Martin is a unique personalization service of craft and design, material, colours, textures and objects, all customized to reflect your personal likes and character.
While the DB10 may be exclusive to James Bond, the DB9 is the next best thing to the stylish bravado of the spy with the arsenal of luxury Aston Martin cars – elaborate weapons, anti-pursuit systems and alternative transportation modes not included.