This 2009 Aston Martin DB9 Volante was provided for testing by Gilmour Collection
Einstein’s theory of relativity is hugely complicated, and although many can quote it, very few understand it. I certainly don’t. However, I do have my own theory of relativity and thankfully, it is much simpler. My theory is this, all cars are relative. For example, if the only car you’ve ever driven is a Renault Kwid, then jumping into a VW Polo would feel like a major step up!
So when my Carbs and Coffee journey really started picking up steam a couple of years ago, one of the first “exotic” cars I had the pleasure of reviewing was the rather excellent Aston Martin DB9 Volante (link to original post). The DB9 was a genuine meet your hero moment, and it did not disappoint. In the time since driving the DB9, I have been truly blessed though. I have had opportunity to drive some of the most exotic and exquisite cars from a variety of manufacturers. Ferrari, Porsche, Maserati, Rolls Royce, Bentley and of course Aston Martin to name a few.
does the DB9 Volante still measure up?
So the question of relativity must surely be asked again. Given the long list of exotica I have driven in the past couple of years, does the DB9 Volante still measure up?
Well, in the metal, it certainly still looks the part. Even after the launch of the new Aston range, and the major face-lift post-Virage. This first generation DB9 is still an absolutely stunning thing to behold. Personally I think it looks better than the new Astons. Less in-your-face, more graceful. And just stunningly beautiful.
The design is aging exceptionally well and still looks contemporary and relevant when driving around Cape Town’s CBD. No-one looks at it as an “old Aston” because it simply doesn’t look its age. The DB9 Volante is still every ounce as desirable and stunning as it was the day we first saw it.
makes the DB9 feel incredibly special
Likewise the interior is still a very special and beautiful place to sit. The materials are of excellent quality and everything feels as good as it looks. It is clearly a product that someone took great pride in creating. Which makes it feel incredibly special when you get to enjoy the fruits of their labour. Being of the Aston/Ford era, yes you can identify certain switches and components from the Ford, and more specifically, Volvo parts bins. However, on a hand built car, this is probably not a bad thing. It means they work. At thirteen years old, everything on this DB9 still works perfectly.
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Not least of all that engine. The V12 under that stunningly sculpted bonnet, is a thing of beauty. As well as having proven itself to be very reliable, it is just such a great engine. It has torque from anywhere in the rev range. Perfect for a Grand Tourer, it hardly requires any work to move the slick DB9 around when driving normally. The smooth automatic suits it to a tee, and keeps the revs exceptionally low.
The sound still deserves special mention. It is a characterful sound. A deep and throaty noise which builds to proper growl. Not the smooth howling noise of a Ferrari V12, but a cross-plane crank noise with texture. Power delivery is incredibly smooth though, with virtually no engine vibration at all. Throttle response is excellent, even if the pedal is perhaps a little lazy. It just suits the character of the car exceptionally well. You get the impression that the engine is never really trying, its absolutely effortless.
handling and balance really inspire confidence
When pressing on, the DB9 seems to shrink. It becomes quite darty and nimble. Despite its size and the fact that it is superbly comfortable, it remains level in bends. Feedback through the wheel is surprisingly good. The handling and balance really inspire confidence. The chassis shows no signs of flexing and feels as agile as a proper sportscar.
Outright performance too, does not disappoint. No it’s not the quickest thing in the world, but the performance/ drama ratio is just right. When you floor it, it shoves the leather stitching pattern of the seats into your back. It makes a beautiful noise and dances just enough to let you know what’s happening, without being wayward. With the flex of your right foot the car literally transforms from a comfortable, stylish cruiser to a sportscar that’s incredible fun to drive.
In short, yes. The DB9 Volante is still every bit as good as the first time I drove one. It still represents incredible value for money, and it is still a truly beautiful car. That feeling of driving something special is still there, and I still want one, more so than ever.
