2011 Aston Martin DB9 Gets Face-Lift

GAYDON, England — The 2011 Aston Martin DB9 gets a "subtle" face-lift for the new model year, according to the automaker. The modestly restyled DB9 goes on sale in July with prices starting at the U.S. equivalent of $184,857 for the DB9 Coupe and $198,418 for the DB9 Volante.

The changes include a new front bumper, bright-finish radiator grille and reshaped lower intake featuring bright hexagonal mesh. New headlight bezels, restyled sills, silver brake calipers, 20-spoke diamond-turned alloy wheels and clear rear light lenses round out the changes.

Aston Martin says the DB9's passive damping system has been replaced by an adaptive damping system that "offers enhanced ride comfort together with sharper handling when switched to Sport mode." It is offered as standard across the DB9 range. Other specification changes include a new tire pressure monitoring system, a revised Bluetooth microphone system and the addition of a new Double Apex alloy finish trim and Bang & Olufsen audio options.

Powertrain specifications are unchanged, noted Aston Martin. The DB9 is equipped with the 470-horsepower 6.0-liter V12 mated to a choice of six-speed Touchtronic paddle-shift automatic or six-speed H-pattern manual transmissions.

Inside Line says: Aston Martin wields the scalpel lightly when it comes to changes to the '11 DB9. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent