When it comes to cars, the movie industry has given us plenty of cool vehicles to drool over. With creations such as Mad Max’s Ford 
Falcon-based Interceptor, Knight Rider’s customized Pontiac Trans Am, and The Green Hornet’s Chrysler Imperial around, picking a favorite is nearly impossible. When it comes to automakers, however, Aston Martin seems to be the indisputable leader, especially when it comes to the James Bond franchise. Having already introduced the 2015 Aston Martin DB10 for the upcoming "Spectre" movie, the Brits launched a new production car that celebrates the fictional yet famous Secret Service agent.
Falcon-based Interceptor, Knight Rider’s customized Pontiac Trans Am, and The Green Hornet’s Chrysler Imperial around, picking a favorite is nearly impossible. When it comes to automakers, however, Aston Martin seems to be the indisputable leader, especially when it comes to the James Bond franchise. Having already introduced the 2015 Aston Martin DB10 for the upcoming "Spectre" movie, the Brits launched a new production car that celebrates the fictional yet famous Secret Service agent.
It’s called the DB9 GT Bond Edition, and unlike theDB10 , it can be purchased for dealerships the world over.
, it can be purchased for dealerships the world over.
The DB9 GT joins a comprehensive lineup of Aston Martins created either to star in the James Bond movie or as a tribute to Ian Fleming’s 007. Though it won’t get to feature in an actual installment of the movie, like models such as the 1963-1967 Aston Martin DB5 , 2012 Aston Martin DBS or 2005 Aston Martin V12 Vanquish did over the last five decades, it’s quite an important model as the final incarnation of the DB9 . As you might have already guessed, it is based on the new 2016 Aston Martin DB9 GT , but equipped with a range of exclusive features. Keep reading to find what makes the Bond Edition special.
, 2012 Aston Martin DBS or 2005 Aston Martin V12 Vanquish did over the last five decades, it’s quite an important model as the final incarnation of the DB9 . As you might have already guessed, it is based on the new 2016 Aston Martin DB9 GT , but equipped with a range of exclusive features. Keep reading to find what makes the Bond Edition special.
SOURCE:TOPSPEED
Exterior
Essentially a blacked-out version of the DB9, the DB9 GT is more of an appearance package rather than a new model on the outside. The car’s front splitter and rear diffuser are made from carbon fiber (optional on the standard GT), the headlamps and taillights feature new trim and carbon-fiber inserts (also an option on the regular model), respectively, while the wheels sport a custom 20-inch, 10-spoke, diamond-turned design. Gray calipers and polished aluminum engine vents, side strakes and grille round out the bespoke exterior.
To create the Bond Edition, Aston Martin added a range of "carefully considered" features, including a unique Spectre Silver paint (similar to the DB10 movie car), sterling silver Aston Martin emblems front and rear, and ‘007 Bond Edition’ badges on the front fenders. Though the visual package is rather mild, it gives the DB9 GT Bond Edition a discreet touch of exclusivity Aston Martin enthusiasts and James Bond fans are likely to appreciate.
Don’t get too excited though, this vehicle doesn’t come with rotating license plates, tire slashers, or bumper-mounted machine guns.
Interior
The James Bond theme continues inside the cabin with numbered sill plates featuring the "DB9 GT" and "007" logo, gun-barrel embroidery on the rear seat divider, and a unique Bond Edition start-up screen for the new AMi II infotainment system. Everything else is standard DB9 GT business with "GT" emblems embroidered into the seats, leather upholstery, an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, and contrast stitching. The center console can be ordered in various finishes, including Ice Mocha and Copper Cuprum, while other options include two-tone seats and door inserts.
Drivetrain
While both the exterior and interior have received bespoke features of their own, the drivetrain of the DB9 GT remains unchanged for the Bond Edition. But that’s far from bad news, as the GT is the most powerful DB9 ever, at 539 horsepower and 457 pound-feet of torque. While torque is identical to the standard DB9, horsepower has increased by 29, shaving a tenth-second off the regular grand tourer’s 0 to 60 mph sprint. Specifically, the DB9 GT Bond Edition will hit the benchmark in 4.5 seconds, which is pretty impressive for a model that hasn’t received many updates in 11 years. Top speed remains 183 mph. Power travels to the rear wheels through Aston Martin’s Touchtronic II six-speed transmission with electronic shift-by-wire control.
Like the standard car, the Bond Edition has independent, double wishbone suspension at all four corners and a three-stage Adaptive Damping System with Undercover, Getaway and Pussy Galore modes.
Oops, I got carried away a bit there, I meant to say Normal, Sport and Track.
DRIVETRAIN SPECIFICATIONS
| Type | 6.0-litre V12 |
|---|---|
| Output | 539 HP @ 6,750 RPM |
| Torque | 457 LB-FT @ 5,500 RPM |
| Transmission | Touchtronic II six-speed |
| 0 to 62 mph | 4.5 seconds |
| Top speed | 183 MPH |
Prices
Though Aston Martin says the DB9 GT Bond Edition is available globally, there’s no U.S. pricing yet. In Britain, the coupe costs £165,000, which accounts for a £25,000 or nearly 18 percent premium over the standard GT. Given the GT retails from $199,950 in the U.S., it’s safe to assume the Bond Edition will fetch around $235,500 on this side of the pond. Not exactly affordable, but bear in mind that this grand tourer is limited to only 150 units. And despite the steep pricing, it’ll probably sell out in no time.
Conclusion
When Aston Martin launched the DB9 GT, it was pretty clear that the Brits decided to end the DB9’s production cycle with a beefed-up, exclusive model. As it turns out, either the GT wasn’t fancy enough to send the DB9 into the history books or Aston Martin thought the nameplate deserved an association with James Bond in its final months on the market. The decision is a bit surprising given the DB9 has never been featured as a Bond car, but I’m sure James Bond fans won’t mind. In all, it’s a great way to say farewell to an iconic grand tourer.
Press Release
For more than half a century Aston Martin has been the sports car of choice for the world’s most famous spy, James Bond. Now, the luxury British brand is celebrating the release of Spectre with the launch of the strictly limited DB9 GT Bond Edition.
Limited to 150 examples worldwide, the highly desirable model is based on the recently launched DB9 GT. Designed to offer the best of what DB9 can be, the DB9 GT delivers world-class grand touring and hand-built excellence.
Building on these exceptional foundations, the new Aston Martin DB9 GT Bond Edition adds even greater levels of exclusivity by virtue of its limited edition build run along with a host of carefully considered trim, equipment and accessory additions that celebrate the brand’s more than 50-year association with the famous film franchise.
Subtle styling additions
The DB9 GT Bond Edition is distinguished by a subtle yet elegant selection of styling additions inside and out.
The 6.0-litre V12-engined grand tourer features unique Spectre Silver paint; sterling silver Aston Martin badges front and rear; and discreet ‘007 Bond Edition’ exterior badging.
These features build on the elegant styling of the DB9 GT which includes unique ten-spoke gloss black diamond turned 20-inch alloy wheels; bright aluminium bonnet vents, side strakes and grille; carbon fibre front splitter and rear diffuser, and grey brake calipers.
Inside, the DB9 GT Bond Edition continues its subtle homage to James Bond with unique numbered sill plaques featuring the familiar 007 logo; gun barrel embroidery on the 2+2’s rear seat divider and a special Bond Edition start-up screen on the new model’s AMi II touch-sensitive Aston Martin infotainment system.
These embellishments add to the car’s already luxurious interior environment which includes unique fluted leather; an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel and a satin carbon fibre centre console surround.
Powerful appeal
The DB9 GT Bond Edition’s 6.0-litre V12 engine is capable of generating 547 PS at 6750 rpm, and 620 Nm of torque at 5500 rpm.
The all-alloy, quad overhead camshaft, 48-valve 5,935 cc front mid-mounted V12 is mated to the proven rear mid-mounted Touchtronic II six-speed transmission with electronic shift-by-wire control system. It carries the luxury sports car from rest to 62 mph in 4.5 seconds, and on to a top speed of 183 mph.
The all-round independent double wishbone suspension continues to deliver secure handling while the three-stage Adaptive Damping System (ADS) offers distinct Normal, Sport and Track modes for the broadest possible breadth of dynamic characteristics.
Elegant Accessories
Besides its unique interior and exterior features, the DB9 GT Bond Edition offers a suite of elegant Bond-themed accessories to complement the model’s creation.
Presented in a finely-crafted 21” Globe-Trotter trolley case finished with an embossed leather luggage tag, the collector’s car also includes an Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150m James Bond Limited Edition watch complete with a unique Aston Martin strap.
Welcoming the debut of the DB9 GT Bond Edition, Aston Martin CEO Dr Andy Palmer said: “Aston Martin and James Bond are intrinsically linked in the minds of many of our enthusiasts and, indeed, owners, worldwide.
“In the run-up to the launch of the new film, Spectre, which sees Bond behind the wheel of the DB10, we are very happy to be able to celebrate the partnership with this superb limited edition DB9 GT collector’s item.”
Dr Palmer added: “I’m sure the 150 owners worldwide who succeed in acquiring one of these exceptional sports cars will, like the rest of us, delight in seeing Spectre when it is released later this year.”
The new DB9 GT Bond Edition is available to order in markets around the world from today, priced at £165,000.
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