The DB9 is the model that gave birth to all modern Aston Martins and it helped keep the brand afloat and relevant throughout the 21st century. And until the end of its production in 2016, it remained the foundation upon which all the flagship Aston Martin models were built before the DB11 came out. Naturally, during its 12 years of production, it saw numerous different special editions, updates and drivetrain revisions. And the DB9 GT is the last and arguably the best DB9 ever built. The DB9 GT’s horsepower for example is noticeably higher than that of any previous example making it virtually just as fast as the DBS. But unlike the DBS, the DB9 GT was still just as relaxed as the standard version making the ultimate Aston Martin grand tourer. Interestingly, the DB9 GT’s price increased marginally over the standard model while on the used market they can be found for roughly the same amount as the standard DB9. That already makes it very tempting, but this DB9 GT review is yet to highlight its other features. But before that, check out the DB9s currently for sale at Exotic Car Trader.
When the DB9 first came out in 2004, it was the first modern Aston Martin to be designed by Henrik Fisker whose design language would remain in production until 2020 when the Rapide went under. The DB9 was then the basis for the vast majority of Aston Martins built after 2000 which by itself makes it an icon. Moreover, the Aston Martin VH platform also debuted with the DB9 and that too would continue until 2020. Being in production until 2016, the DB9 also saw many facelifts and updates and the most important one came in 2013 which was still present with the DB9 GT making the front look a lot like the Vanquish. Among those updates, the biggest downside is that the DB9 never got the 8 speed transmission and was stuck with the old six speed, but it did get the AM11 engine as found in the Virage. So, just how many DB9 GTs were produced? The official numbers lay just under 350 while there were 16,500 DB9s built in total. And if you are wondering where was the DB9 GT made, the answer is in Gaydon just like all other DB9s. Now, let’s take this Aston Martin DB9 GT review to the more technical side of things.
The DB9 GT stands as the most powerful DB9 ever made which is fitting for the last iteration of a model. It’s even noticeably more powerful than the DBS and it has just under 30 horsepower less than the V12 Vanquish. The official DB9 GT horsepower and torque figures are 547 and 457 lb-ft. The power goes through a six speed automatic transmission which means she DB9 didn’t make the switch to the 8 speed, but the old torque converter automatic is much smoother and fits the DB9’s character much better. However, that also means the DB9 GT’s top speed is just 183 mph and the acceleration suffers quite a bit as well. The DB9 GT’s 0-60 time is 4.4 seconds which is quite an improvement, but with the 8 speed it would dip under four seconds easily. That said, the DB9 GT weighs less than the Vanquish at just 3,935 lbs. It’s also not as stiff as the Vanquish but the DB9 GT is far from being a lazy and heavy coupe. By all accounts, the DB9 GT feels sharp and light on its feet, plus the driving feel is greatly improved by the old hydraulic steering.
The DB9 GT interior got a slight refresh when the model came out in 2016. The old dashboard and center console remained largely unchanged since 2004, but with the DB9 GT, the dashboard looked like it was pulled straight from the Vanquish. The center console was narrower and it employed the same shapes and buttons as the Vanquish making it look and feel much more contemporary. The foldable navigation screen remained in its place and while it does the job, it was very outdated by today’s standards. That said, who cares about the navigation when the interior is covered in the finest leather and wood trim. Plus, one glance at the gorgeous gauge cluster and it will grab all your attention. The DB9 GT design is further improved by the new seats which arguably look even better than those in the DB11. As for the rear, the seats were reshaped and use a more interesting stitching pattern, but they are still as cramped as they always were. Overall, the DB9 GT interior looks noticeably better and more modern than the older DB9s.
The DB9 GT exterior isn’t that much different to the older model as all it got were new and sportier multi spoke wheels. That said, the front facelift all DB9s got in 2013 modernized the look substantially. The front got sharper headlights with LED daytime running lights and a more aggressive front bumper. The side profile had a much more pronounced side skirt molded into the body work and a new side vent design. Even though the side profile saw the least changes, the huge side skirt bulge improves the overall design just as much as the front and rear ends. And back at the rear, the trunk lid is now a duck tail design and all DB9s got the clear tail lights first seen on the DBS. Furthermore, the rear bumper became noticeably lower thanks to a diffuser and being painted in contrasting black there is a lot more going on than before. The DB9 GT’s design was styled after all modern Aston Martins but it still kept the old design cues and shapes alive making for a slightly sportier, yet still endlessly elegant coupe.
The DB9 GT’s technology saw little to no improvements as it’s still very much based on the original 2004 DB9. The transmission is the same and while it did get the AM11 V12 in 2012, that engine is virtually the same as the old one apart from having more power and being somewhat more efficient. The old six speed automatic transmission has been in use since 2004, while the manual six speed went out of production in 2012. Also, the DB9 was never a technological marvel so the DB9 GT is no different. The old Volvo sourced navigation system was barely good when it was new and today, it’s borderline useless. However, pioneering technologies were never a reason why someone buys an Aston Martin.
Back when it was new, the DB9 GT had a starting price of just over $200,000. And as it’s technically speaking an old model, it has depreciated quite quickly. So, how much is a DB9 GT worth today? DB9 GTs nowadays go for anywhere between $85,000 and $110,000 in most cases. Not that many of them come up for sale so it’s difficult to estimate what a true price range would be, but even those that cost well under six figures have barely crossed the 10,000 mile mark and are virtually brand new.
If you are a fan of the DB9 like many people are, then the DB9 GT is the one to get as it’s the ultimate version unless you are after the original one. With the most power, most modern interior and an exterior just as beautiful as it was only more modern, the DB9 GT is a proper retirement send off. And if you are looking to buy a DB9 GT or any other luxury vehicle, doing so with Exotic Car Trader is one of the best options out there. Exotic Car Trader offers escrow protection, delivery, first inspection and infinite convenience. Selling a car through Exotic Car Trader is just as easy since you don’t even have to worry about uploading your car to our website. To conclude this Aston Martin DB9 GT review, we can say that the DB9 is undeniably one of the most breathtaking modern cars and barely any of its competitors have as much character.
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