Aluminum metals with pasted aluminum-knots establish the frame of this vehicle. The expansive bonnet and the roof are likewise from light alloy. The rest is manufactured from compound materials. According the trend, the surface consists of only few parts, reducing the amount of corresponding seams. Along with efforts to modernize, the factory has to keep track of its almost hundred-year-old history. Take a look at the openings in the front fenders directly beyond the wheels, being reminiscences from the earlier Vantage V8 model. Up until the B - column this car is identical to the DB9. Compared to the DB9 this car has the smaller engine, which is lighter, shifting the main focus without transmission even further to the rear. Due to the Transaxle construction the unloaded weight ought to rest a little bit more on the rear axle than on the front axle. Opening the bonnet, you will discover a gigantic plastic cover, in principle, covering a hollow cavity. However, this cavity may be used very well in case of a frontal impact.
The aluminum-cylinder block originates from the Jaguar-V8. There is nothing spectacular about this engine, but it is running well. Maybe it resembles a combination of everything strictly necessary for a sporty drive. A V-shaped cylinder head is formed by the valves, operated via the hydraulic tappets, and the two cam waves per cylinder row, from which 'just' the one for the intake valves is adjustable. A lot of efforts have been put into eliminating the resonance production in the intake area, and with the exhaust gas guidance. They did not use a fan-like exhaust pipe, but Four in Two in One, always a good recipe for lively engines. In the very end, there is the flap system for variable tailback and suitable sound effects. The only disadvantage of this engine is its relatively high fuel consumption.
The ornamental seams in the leather are a bit exaggerated. They should always remind the driver that large parts of the car are handmade. Hence, the higher price as compared to its rivals. Yet, it is truly a miraculously solid car. The instruments are three-dimensional. The start button is not only manufactured from glass, the deposited color even changes from blue to red. Go to the Aston Martin website, and see for yourself.
The agility of the vehicle is extraordinary, especially in comparison to its larger brother. The chassis is appreciated, too. Just with low speeds, the suspension is felt as too harsh. Maybe the electronic adjustability, usually a standard feature in this price range, is missing. The engine can perform both ways, quietly in the everyday life, or with a sporty sound if demanded. In combination with the pleasing car body, the car should become successful. Aston Martin aims in total at 5000 cars a year. This would represent one quarter of all the cars produced within the last 90 years.