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ASTON MARTIN’S DB10 WAS A JUST-FOR-BOND DESIGN, BUT THE DB9 CARBON EDITION CAN FULFILL YOUR GONZO GARAGE CRAVINGS VERY NICELY, THANK YOU

BY MATT SCANLON

Aston Martin has been associated with the James Bond film franchise since Sean Connery first hopped into his DB5 in 1964’s Gold finger (though, interestingly, the first Bond car was a Sunbeam Alpine that James drove in 1962’s Dr. No, with no alterations by the legendary aftermarket weaponizer Q). Fans of the alluringly swoopy DB 10 that Daniel Craig drove in last year’s Specter will be deflated to learn, however, that the bespoke model line included a run of just 10 cars, all used (and many destroyed) in the _ lm.

As if in attempt to restore a smile to our grown-teen faces, Aston Martin recently revealed its wonderfully over-the-top next best thing: the DB9 Carbon Edition. The world class and hand-built grand toured features an all-alloy V12 engine (510 hp) hitched to a rear mid-mounted “Techtronic II” six-speed transmission with an electronic shift-by-wire control system. Together, they fling the all-black wonder from zero to 60 in just 4.5 seconds, with variable drive settings offering a range of mild-to-wild suspension characteristics.

It might be sacrilegious to report, but almost as fun as the performance in the Carbon is its Batman-like coloring. The aluminum and composite body panels are in midnight black, while the carbon-fiber facial, paddle-tips, and door pulls weave interior to exterior (in part through supple leather cossets) to create a very unique driving environment. From this darkness comes a spark of light, however: an optional accent of red, silver, or yellow flashes through seating, interior welt, and headrest stitching. Also standard are diamond-turned 20 inch, 10- spoke wheels in either silver or satin black, with a gratifying choice of gray, yellow, red, or black brake calipers (we chose the last option).

About $20,000 over the standard DB9 tag of just over $200,000, this is madcap spending at its most wonderful, and the next best thing to your very own Bond girl.

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F.C. Kerbeck Aston Martin
100 Route 73 North, Palmyra, NJ / 855.846.1500
fckerbeckastonmartin.com

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