Model: DB9
Styles: Coupe, Convertible (Volante)
Engine: 5.9-liter V12
Power range: 470 hp
Torque: 443 lb-ft
Gearbox: Six-speed manual or six-speed automatic
Configuration: Longitudinal front engine, rear-wheel drive
Claimed top speed: 190 mph
Description: More looks than substance, the DB9 is a stunning car to observe and experience audibly. But it's not the quickest or most rewarding supercar at this price. Still, to each his own, as this is a brutally beautiful machine. And it's probably the most comfortable supercar on the market. The convertible is, as expected, slightly heavier, but offers similar performance.
IL says: DB9 ownership is as exclusive as it is expensive, so if that's your criteria for supercar ownership this one certainly fills the bill.
Model: DBS
Styles: Coupe, Convertible (Volante)
Engine: 5.9-liter V12
Power range: 510 hp
Torque: 420 lb-ft
Gearbox: Six-speed manual, six-speed automatic
Configuration: Longitudinal front engine, rear-wheel drive
Claimed top speed: 191 mph
Description: The DBS is largely just a gussied-up DB9. It offers more modern, more aggressive carbon-fiber bodywork and an additional 40 hp, but it rides on the same wheelbase and uses the same engine. Still, we find the DBS even better-looking than the DB9. Again, the convertible offers all the same advantages and drawbacks it does in the DB9.
IL says: For our money the DBS is the Aston to have.
Model: Rapide
Styles: Sedan
Engine: 5.9-liter V12
Power range: 470 hp
Torque: 443 lb-ft
Gearbox: Six-speed automatic
Configuration: Longitudinal front engine, rear-wheel drive
Claimed top speed: Not available
Description: An exotic in name only, the Rapide finds its way on this list by utilizing the same powertrain as its smaller, lighter DB9 and DBS brethren. It is, by every measure of the word, a sedan. And it offers sedanlike amenities coupled with the looks and sounds of an exotic.
IL says: Sedans make for silly exotics, and the Rapide is no exception. It's big, it's heavy, it's luxurious and it's expensive. It's also powerful, large enough for four and pretty darned quick. But is it a supercar?
Model: V12 Vantage
Styles: Coupe, Carbon Black
Engine: 5.9-liter V12
Power range: 510 hp
Torque: 420 lb-ft
Gearbox: Six-speed manual
Claimed top speed: Not available
Description: Aston's V12 Vantage makes it to our exotic cars page for one reason and one reason only: its V12 power plant. Following a classic formula for hot-rodding, Aston stuffed its 5.9-liter V12 tuned to produce 510 hp under the hood of the diminutive Vantage. And it's cool. The Carbon Black edition saves a few pounds through the use of carbon-fiber seats and offers carbon black metallic paint and obsidian leather interior.
IL says: It might not be original, but it's still a good idea. Jamming a massive V12 under the hood of the Vantage is an undeniably awesome idea. Two thumbs way up.
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