I saw one this past friday. Man did it look good and sound good.
I drove the Bentley GT last year and found it boring in comparison to the DB9. This might not be a great analogy, but the DB9 is like a BMW and the Bentley GT is like a Lexus. Anyone used to German cars who drive a Lexus for the first time say yeah the Lexus shifts smoother, yeah it rides smoother, but its just missing the x factor. The DB9 has the x-factor the Bentley is just missing, but its still a fantastic car for the money. Pound for pound, the DB9 is a little bit more money than the Bentley, but I'd take the DB9 everytime. Phil
Funny. The x factor...The Bentley is German and the AM is a Ford. Anyways, We got our first two DB9 Roadsters/Converts today. Sweet sweet looking car. I fit in the back seat(barely-165-5'11"), but if that car was to roll, I would be done for.
Yeah I know Bentley is owned by VW and maybe I could have stated that in another way, but I stand by my feelings on the Bentley. Its a fabulous car, but it wasn't built with the intention of being a racer and thats fine. No one ever said Bentley was, but if you like a little bit more of a sporty character go for the DB9.
I took delivery of my DB9 last November. Its a really great car. The fit and finish are outstanding. It is the perfect long distance cruiser. The only problems that I've had with it have been with the upgraded 950W Linn stereo. There were some software issues that had to be workied out. I got the paddle shift. It's smooth and fast on highway. The car drives great on the curves too, aided by its 50/50 weight distribution. If you're looking to drag race though, buy a 65-series benz, the DB9 is really about high speed cruising. I was looking for a 4 seat (2 door) coupe. I'v got 355 spider/512TR. I found the bentley's styling too bulky for me and wanted a sportier car. But apart from that the bentley is a great car. Before the vanquish S came out, it was hard to justify the extra $$ for the difference in performance, plus the vanquish's interior is nothing like the DB9's. A 612 would have been nice, but it's an easy 100 grand more and I'm getting a little tired of ferrari service...It seems like its always 6-10K everytime one of cars go to the dealer. So I wanted something to try something new. Only time will tell about the aston. The Aston was all custom built to order, any color, any interior etc. The dealer was first rate and the order, build, delivery process was uneventful. The aston is not a ferrari, nor do I think that it is trying to be one. It is a sporty, practical coupe. As far as the issues with price are concerned, I think 170 for a hand built, aluminum 6.0L V-12 with the DB9's styling and build quality is perfectly reasonable...plus it has a crystal cigar ashtray. I can't comment on the question's about the Maserati. but then again, the new M6 has alot more than a grandsport for less $$ cash too, without Italian car issues. In summary, I'm very pleased with the DB9 as a cruiser. It does not replace Ferrari driving experience. Done again, I would get a 6speed but did'nt want to wait another year. Its a very beautiful car. Nigel. The DB9 is a newly engineered car and has nothing to do with the DB7. The DB7 kept aston alive but they even admit it's very closely based on XK8 chasis etc. I don't think the DB9 and 7 look alike either as someone mentioned. Check out the astonmartin web site. Its pretty cool.
I am glad you love your DB9, as I am simply enamored with the car. Its just SOOO AMAZING! Not to many cars today are considerd beautiful, nor are they good sounding. Aston Martin truley makes some emotional cars, another word you almost never hear in the automotive business thease days. . . How about that AMV8? Thats Schweet also!
I am completely infatuated with the DB9...I believe it to be one of the most beautiful cars designed in the last few decades. The interior on the car is absolutely orgasmic! I would just about sell my soul for the opportunity to drive or ride in one.