The 2009 Aston Martin DBS Manual is a celebrated model in the long line of Aston Martin sports cars. It stands out for being a rare manual variant of the DBS, a car that combined raw power, elegant design, and advanced technology. The DBS itself was produced from 2007 to 2012 and is often seen as the flagship model of Aston Martin during this period. Here’s a detailed look at the story and history behind the 2009 Aston Martin DBS Manual:
The DBS marked Aston Martin's return to the top of the luxury sports car segment, as it was designed to combine the brand’s historical craftsmanship with cutting-edge performance. The DBS model was first introduced in 2007 and was positioned as a more aggressive and powerful version of the DB9.
The car is powered by a 6.0-liter V12 engine, producing 510 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque, allowing it to reach a top speed of 191 mph and accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just over 4 seconds. This was a significant leap forward for the brand, as the DBS was lighter, more agile, and sportier than its predecessors, incorporating carbon fiber extensively to reduce weight.
While most luxury sports cars during the late 2000s were shifting toward automatic transmissions for convenience and broader appeal, the 2009 Aston Martin DBS Manual stood out for offering a 6-speed manual transmission as an option. This choice was a nod to driving purists who valued the tactile, engaging experience of a manual gearbox. It also demonstrated Aston Martin’s commitment to maintaining a connection with its heritage, as many of its iconic cars in earlier decades were manual.
The manual transmission was paired with a transaxle configuration, which meant the gearbox was mounted at the rear of the car, helping to achieve near-perfect weight distribution. This allowed the car to feel more balanced and responsive when cornering, enhancing the driving experience.
The design of the DBS is widely regarded as one of Aston Martin's most beautiful modern works. Its muscular, yet elegant, exterior was heavily influenced by the DBR9 race car, which won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in its class. Key design elements include a wide, aggressive stance, prominent rear haunches, and a large, iconic front grille.
The interior of the DBS is equally luxurious, featuring hand-stitched leather, carbon-fiber accents, and high-quality materials throughout. Despite being a high-performance car, the DBS also retained the luxury and comfort expected of an Aston Martin, with advanced technology, premium sound systems, and high-quality craftsmanship.
The DBS gained additional fame and cultural significance when it was featured in the James Bond films Casino Royale (2006) and Quantum of Solace (2008), though the car used in Casino Royale was a prototype. Its sleek, powerful presence made it a perfect fit for the 007 brand, cementing the DBS as one of the most recognizable Bond cars in the modern era.
Today, the 2009 Aston Martin DBS Manual is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. The manual transmission variant is particularly prized due to its rarity—Aston Martin produced far fewer manual DBS cars compared to the automatic version. As the automotive industry continues to move away from manual transmissions in favor of automatic or semi-automatic gearboxes, cars like the DBS Manual are increasingly cherished as examples of a dying breed of pure, driver-focused sports cars.
In 2012, Aston Martin ended the production of the DBS, replacing it with the Aston Martin Vanquish. However, the DBS remains a beloved part of the brand’s history, and its manual version, in particular, is often celebrated as a symbol of Aston Martin’s ability to blend old-school driving dynamics with modern performance and luxury.
The 2009 Aston Martin DBS Manual is more than just a car—it’s a symbol of Aston Martin’s dedication to pure driving pleasure, a car that harkens back to a time when manual transmissions and hands-on driving were at the core of the sports car experience. With its combination of breathtaking design, racing heritage, and a rare manual gearbox, it holds a special place in automotive history.
This Aston Martin DBS with a Manual Transmission.
2009 Aston Martin DBS Manual Right Hand Drive, Tungsten silver with Obsidian Black leather trim, built to German specification. With 59000 documented kms, the car is currently in Singapore.
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