From AutoBlog:

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/22/2...coupe-volante/

Looks nice, but seems to just be a DB9 with an updated body kit. I'm not sure where it really fits in...they should have just replaced the DB9 with this.

 

Don't particularly like it...seems overdone. Prefer a standard DB9 or the DBS for a more agressive look. And I really can't abide the Rapide style headlamps. I just don't like those LED trim lights like all the Audis have. Will soon be passe.

 

Doesn't work for me, either.

 

I would go Rapide or DB9 first ...

 

They are likely to be stuck on every European car soon, DRLs are about to become compulsory over here. The UK fought against them, but we were outvoted

 

the rear still looks dated. they seem to really be stuck with the same design language, not that it's not a beautiful one....but they seem to nip and tuck the same platform and sell it as an all-new car.....

 

I don't care for this at all. This car is a DB9 with a body kit and an ecu flash. I don't know why AM doesn't call it a DB9.2 and go ahead with the complete overhaul in 2013. The other thing is the tiptronic II. Isn't that going in the wrong direction while every other manufacturer is on the second form of F1 or dual clutch systems? I understand the cygnet more than this. I don't see the position of this car in the range especially giving it a new name and trying to claim this it's a different model. The only way it would make sense is if they completely re do the DB9. Then at least, you would have the best of both possibilities to choose from. I get the feeling that this car is pointed at the Bentley buyer. I like it better when they point at Ferrari or Porsche.

 

don't know why you're so unhappy, you own the best aston made in the last few decades

jk

 

I know that no Porsche 911 owner will complain about the lack of a redesign... lol!

Seriously, I like it. It wasn't broke, they didn't need to fix it. But I wish they would get more performance out of the V12.

Perhaps a supercharged version.

 

That's an excellent point.
I guess I'm just concerned about the brand.

 

The latest Car and Driver indicates that AM is working with MB for future cars including possibly using the SLS frame and AMG engines for the next generation of the Vantage and DBx.

I'd like to see them get more performance out of their core engines, but it looks like they're going to ditch them completely soon, so they aren't going to invest any on substantial upgrades.

 

Meh... Remap and a stretched set of N400 sills....

 

The history of this engine is pretty ancient. I don't think, without even variable valve timing, that they could meet emissions targets for this engine without serious overhaul. They *may* be able to address the fact that the specific output for these engines is low, but the cost/benefit tradeoff may just be unfavourable. That said, 30 hp more out of the large capacity v12 points to very little attempt made....

 

I like it a lot - when I first saw the pictures I thought it was the 'new' DB9! In fact I like the stylized LED-accented lights too.

 

20 hp, not 30

DB9: 470
Virage: 490
DBS: 510

Even the bump from DB9 to DBS is a little too small, but this...
Some model differentiation, isn't it