Ride and Handling
Aston Martin has never claimed the DB9 to be an out and out sports car, instead the company has directed it towards the more relaxed world of the GT class, which this aptly named run-out model is pretty much faultless at being. The body control, chassis and dynamics are so well matched for that very task that the DB9 GT is a joy to cover long distances in.
The GT features carbon brakes and three-stage active dampers as standard. The former keeps the unsprung masses at the chassis’ extremities to a minimum, while the latter bring a firm control over the cars aluminium structure.
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At low speeds, however and despite the sophisticated damping the ride is too firm, but you don’t need much speed (40mph plus) for it to settle and for the GT to come together. The steering is direct, beautifully weighted and its speed perfectly matched to the car’s nature making it very easy to enjoy the performance on offer.
The DB9 GT’s feels taut at all times, but not in an aggressive way. Every reaction results in linear action through the chassis and across the body, it’s not as precise as more focussed rivals, but it’s more of a sport cars than Bentley’s Conti GT and Mercs’ S-Class coupes, and within a few miles on the right road in the best conditions the DB9 shakes off its advancing years and reminds you that beneath the iconic body is an old school thoroughbred.
