Friday, December 31, 2010

Babak baru tinggal diluar Depok




Setelah beberapa lama menimang tawaran tugas luar, akhirnya kami sekeluarga meninggalkan Depok untuk bertugas di luar. Negara tujuan adalah USA, spesifiknya adalah di Houston Texas. Kami mengucap Bismillahirohmanirrohim untuk tugas baru kami bertiga ini (dengan istri dan anak).
Entah kebetulan atau karena lain hal, pada saat kami mendapatkan mobil yg disewakan oleh kantor, Chevrolet Impala lah mobil nya. Wah artinya saya bisa merasakan impala di 2 jaman. Yg pertama keluaran tahun 1964, sekarang dapat impala tahun 2009. Mobil bertenaga 5.8 liter v8 ini memang menjadi ciri khas mobil2 Amerika yg mermesin besar. Bagi saya yg biasa nya pakai Ford Everest dan Honda Jazz di Jakarta pasti ada sedikit perbedaan dengan tenaga mesin mobil ini. Dan yg lebih spesifik lagi....disini kursi kemudinya di sebelah kiri. Wah orientasi dulu nih:)


Saturday, December 25, 2010

Hybrid Toyota Supra, the next Ferrari, and the Toyobaru Coupe 2011

It is time once again a popular news semi-permanent, where you can upgrade some interesting things happening in and around the world can drive, you probably will not read the article. (If you read the newspapers, that is.)
We start with two news sports cars such as Plessy Ferguson and gentlemen, are very different, but equally important.

The first message that, despite repeated denials to the public, Toyota is working on a successor Supra expensive sports cars. There are rumors that a new generation of packaging V6 hybrid drive from a total of 400 horses, but the production of hybrid versions of those life on our planet, thank you very much. RWD is almost certainly a style by the FT-HS concept car inspired by a chance to be. Hope next year's models, a concept car production in autumn 2011.



















Toyota FT-HS Concept


Since the success of the Nissan was with him, it is surprising that Toyota waited so long that their average weight of a sports car. It would be interesting to see how the hybrid technology from Toyota is the high efficiency, especially because his only company exploring the possibilities of technology in sports cars. (See below).

A new sports car is being developed in Japan in the second, called "Toyobaru" cheap sports car jointly by Toyota and Subaru. After 7Tune, Sport Subaru STI variant of the device, except that Toyota has decided to offer a car engine.



The report also shows, insider Toyobaru has a style similar to the Lexus LF-A, which was a violation of the super-fans for many years, a concept car, a prototype machine, and even thinly veiled racism. Can it be assumed that the joint task Toyobaru (do not know how they will name it, I love the sound here) want to keep the price of 2 million yen today, a little 'more than $ 20,000.



The LF-A attempts to hide by closing its eyes and pretending it's invisible.

Concept Car : The Opel Ampera hybrid on pure electric power 2011

The Opel Ampera will be a plug-in hybrid with a 65 km range on pure electric power Design Sketch





This project is the first Opel amps with permission of the loss of the "European Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market (OHIM), where documents are stored in nature.
Opel ampere is the European version of the Chevrolet Volt from GM Hybrid will go on sale next year, the North American market.

Measured against these pictures, it seems that are available to the project, the current Opel model amps and length of the keys to the new Insignia, which recently won the European Car of the Year.

Amplifiers are Voltec GM hybrid powered concept was seen in the last Cadillac approach, which debuted at the Detroit auto show in January. It has combined an electric motor with a gasoline engine used to charge the lithium-ion batteries. It is up to 40 miles (65 km), clean power and can be downloaded for about 2-3 hours at 230 V European standard. Use of gasoline as the generator is battery operated, Ampere range approximately 500 miles (or 800 km).

Ampere expected sales in 2011 and in Europe has its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show in Geneva next month .

Porsche 911 GT3 RSR Update

The Germans introduced the updated Porsche 911 GT3 RSR – racing car class GT, more than successful acting in various world championships. The presentation was held at the traditional party «Night of Champions» in R & D Centre in Weissach.

Changes occurred not only in the technical equipment of the automobile, but also in appearance. The increase in the front splitter improves downforce on the front axle and front wheels became larger. Updated as the configuration of rear wing, extended “duck tail” plus the added holes in the rear bumper. LED lights are now – as the recent road models of the brand.

Porsche 911 GT3 RSR Front

Porsche 911 GT3 RSR Front

Porsche 911 GT3 RSR Aerodynamic

Porsche 911 GT3 RSR Aerodynamic

Four-liter six-cylinder boxer after the migration of “brains” became a powerful 5-hp – Now he gives 455 “horses “. Maximum torque is 450 Nm, and maximum rpm, which can collect engine is still at around 9,400. Transmission – six-speed sequential.

Honda Fuzo : Concept Car



The 2068 Fuzo concept comes from designer John Mahieddine, and is intended to be a sci-fi VTOL flying car. As it takes to the air, the wheels on the car retract, and the four turbines move into action, allowing it to reach a maximum speed of 400 mph. The three-seat concept is kept lightweight by the use of materials like carbon fiber, Kevlar and carbon nanotubes. The controls are joystick based, the left allows the car to spin on its axis, while the right handles tilt and direction. There are two foot pedals to control power and brakes. The car can be fully controlled by a fly-by-wire system using GPS; safety will mainly be handled by parachutes and airbags.






Hamann Victory II 2010 Sport Car

Hamann already presented the super sports car Victory based on the first Lamborghini Gallardo. With the latest Gallardo LP560-4, now also the new Hamann Victory II is introduced. The car body becomes broader and the engine performance as well as the amount of carbon parts is significantly increased.

And what is the most essential part of a Lamborghini? Right, it is the wing doors. And nobody really knows why the Gallardo is not equipped with them straight away. Hamann offers these for the Victory II. In addition, they offer an entire refinement of the original body design which starts with a new front apron in Race-design with a centre carbon part. With new fenders in the front and fender extensions in the back, the Hamann Victory II renders an even more remarkable appearance. Also, the extended side skirts and the air inlet on the roof – available in carbon as well – confirm this impression. The back of the car is enhanced by a diffuser and a newly designed rear wing which pushes the car onto the road at high speeds. Hamann offers the rear wing either in fibre glass or the ultra light and persistent carbon. On top of that, a carbon layer can be applied to the bonnet.

2010 Hamann Victory II angle

2010 Hamann Victory II angle

2010 Hamann Victory II back

2010 Hamann Victory II back

Hamann equips the Victory II with 20 inch Edition Race rims with a special varnish in order to emphasize the new dynamic look. At the same time, the reduced unsprung masses improve the handling and the acceleration and braking response. The recommended wheel/tyre combination is 9.5Jx20 inches with 235/30ZR20 tyres at the front and 13Jx20 rims with 325/25ZR20 tyres at the back.

By adjusting the engine electronics, Hamann squeezes additional performance out of this Italian stallion, increasing its power to 427 kW/580 hp with a maximum torque of 575 Newton metres. Therefore, the Hamann Victory II reaches an impressive 328 km/h top speed.

Anderson Signature in White Lamborghini Gallardo

The house Germanic Anderson presented yesterday in Lamborghini Gallardo inspirational version in an edition called “White Edition” beautifully finished in white, black combined with forming a super car even more spectacular than it already is.

The kit also updated its mechanical part, from the 560 hp model that part, to 600 hp. Among the novelties are an ECU with optimized software, a new air filter and a sport exhaust system with a different catalytic converter. The package also includes a remotely adjustable valve that allows a choice between three different levels of “sound” exhaust, which reduces its weight about 22 kg.

White Lamborghini Gallardo rear design

White Lamborghini Gallardo rear design

White Lamborghini Gallardo dashboard

White Lamborghini Gallardo dashboard

We can also choose a new suspension, including black wheels with polished rims and flanks white. Other exterior modifications include carbon elements, a new aero kit with front spoiler, side skirts, rear bumper and diffuser. Furthermore, all drivers are LEDs.

Inside continues the contrast between white and black, with details like vents, steering column or door panels. The seats are upholstered in white leather and Alcantara with black.

White Lamborghini Gallardo door

White Lamborghini Gallardo door

Concept Car : MINI Cooper Countryman 2011



How much of the MINI without its charm and unique appeal?

he offered his first appearance on our shores, the MINI Cooper, the smallest car in the United States, was the most versatile machine, faster, more spacious and less expensive on the road. But it was fun to drive and breathe the fresh air throughout the internal market, bigger is better, drawings, similar to hit the U.S. car buyers are becoming something different.

But his appeal over the past two years, U.S. sales fell by Cooper dropped the top in 2008, 54 000 and 47 last year, as some skeptics that the MINI can win the United States continues . Just see how it not only costs but also to recognize the reality of the American market, the British car manufacturers sassy mass, its mighty mites only slightly.

In the spring of 2011, MINI has the farmer initial 4-door, the MINI brand, and a modern, yes. With respect to Cooper, a farmer of a giant. It offers more cargo space behind, the more space for passengers and more than one instrument or the Cooper Clubman.

Although most of the MINI can I make this appeal to the Americans feared that the farmer has the fun factor is the different models of MINI. Guys, we were wrong.

Detroit Auto Show – 2011 : GMC Sierra All Terrain HD Concept

In early January, will premiere predseriynogo pickup GMC Sierra All Terrain HD – this car class heavy-duty got even more off-road ability compared to the previous model.

Looks powerful concept: it’s easy to find on huge wheels (35-inch BFGoodrich tires and 20-inch wheels), a high landing, muscular arches and massive chrome grille, which fades into the bumper, which, in order to increase the angle of entry, virtually no bulges. Side cargo compartment, as well as on other similar pickups, have separate tanks for storage. LEDs are commonly used – in optics, both the front and rear, in turn signals, as well as illumination of footsteps and sex.

GMC Sierra 2011 Concept Front

GMC Sierra 2011 Concept Front

GMC Sierra 2011 Concept Back

GMC Sierra 2011 Concept Back

Sierra All Terrain HD concept became more current-generation pickup truck – track is now equal to 1853 mm (front track Sierra HD, which is released today – 1 748 mm, rear – 1709 mm) clearance increased by 76 mm.

Under the hood of the concept is 6.6-liter eight-cylinder turbodiesel Duramax coupled with six-speed automatic Allison transmission 1000. The power of this engine is 397 horsepower, maximum torque of 1037 Nm. The production version GMC Sierra All Terrain HD followed immediately during 2011.

Jaguar C-X75 Jet-Powered Supercar

Undoubtedly, the concept Jaguar C-X75 is the ideal candidate for a car kit here at Salon de l'Automobile in Paris. Revealed in the evening begins to see a gateway to a series of VIP events, it is rather easy compared to their technology. Of course, extender hybrid in every corner of the gallery. But I hit 205 miles per hour the battery is charged whirlwind? We think not.



Jet-Powered?
Yes, it's awesome Supercar Concept Jet, with "Mind Blast" labels on their exhaust pipes. turbine production four-wheel-mounted electric motors and the development of a total of 780 hp.

Jaguar XJ13 Racing Inspired by the type C-X75 accelerates from zero to 62 km / h in just 3.4 seconds. You can also travel 68 miles of pure electric power, or 560 miles with both engines.

With 1180 pounds-feet of torque is produced directly into electrical energy, blistering acceleration. The power to all four wheels matched pair of vectors, so as not to affect the balance of the car.

Audi RS3 Sportback 2012


Audi RS3 Sportback 2012

Blazing performance, compact size. Audi has added a new model to its dynamic RS series: the Audi RS3 Sportback. In the great tradition of the brand, its engine boasts five cylinders and turbocharging technology. From a displacement of 2.5 liters come 250 kW (340 hp) of power and 450 Nm (331.90 lb-ft) of torque, with an average fuel consumption of just 9.1 liters of fuel per 100 km (25.85 US mpg)

2007 Aston Martin DB9 Coupe Road Test

2007 Aston Martin DB9 Coupe

To put it plainly, while Ferraris and Lamborghinis are almost toy-like and tend to put out that “compensating” image, Aston Martins are beautifully crafted confidence machines. Sitting behind the wheel of the DB9 oozes one thing. Confidence. And that’s mainly due to the car’s subtle yet outstanding looks.





db9raer2.jpg
Think of it this way, the Ferraris and Lamborghinis of today will look outdated and ridiculous in 10 years time, while the DB9 will still look the part. Instead of going for a futuristic look, Aston Martin has styled the DB9 to be the best looking Grand Tourer on the planet today. A timeless shape.

The DB9 doesn’t have to shout with its looks, like a patient predator, the DB9 can sit calmly next to a cafĂ© as you enjoy a drink, but when its time to go, it will turn every head with its presence. Initially when we picked up the Aston we nearly walked right past it, it’s a case of a double-take with the DB9, you look, and then you look again and realise that you have just laid eyes upon a masterpiece.

2007 Aston Martin DB9 Coupe
The design was started by Ian Calum and finished by Henrik Fisker. What these two men created is arguably the best looking Aston Martin to date. Far more sophisticated and graceful than the DB7. You can look at it in every which way you want, you can even hang upside down from a tree if you want to, the DB9 is stunning from the front, side and rear.



db9-alb.jpg
While driving around Sydney, it was obvious the DB9 was a little more conspicuous than our last supercar, the Murcielago. If you’re wondering why you would fork out $350,000 for a subtle looking DB9 over, say, a Lamborghini Gallardo ($400,000) which looks like a spaceship from Area 51, it’s good to stop here and put a big line between the Italian supercars and the DB9.

Here is the truth, while the Murcielago, Gallardo and F430 are all exceptional cars in their own right, the DB9 is a different car altogether. For so long Porsche has dominated the everyday supercar market with the 911 and although the DB9 sits above the 911 in every respect, the concept is the same. The DB9 is what 911 owners dream of and what Ferrari/Lambo owners wish they had bought, it is the ultimate GT car that you can drive from Brisbane to Sydney (try that in your Gallardo) and straight onto a race track the next day.

2007 Aston Martin DB9 Coupe
If you want to compare looks to Grand Tourers from the Italians, let’s have a look at the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti:

2007 Aston Martin DB9 Coupe 2007 Aston Martin DB9 Coupe
From the outside you can instantly recognise the DB9 as an Aston Martin thanks to the marque’s trademark radiator grille and powerful rear haunches. It’s a sign of the times; Aston Martin is producing a stunner of a car while the rest of the world is concerned with futuristic styles that tend to be a hit-and-miss affair.
If you’re still not convinced the DB9 is the best looking Grand Tourer on the planet today, all you have to do is park it in a busy street filled with trendy cafes and wait for the comments. Instead of the regular “Oh my, that looks nice & expensive… he must be having a midlife crisis” comments that you get with a Ferrari & Lambo, with a DB9 expect the “Sorry to interrupt sir, but I just wanted to tell you that I absolutely adore your car…” comments instead.

As if performance, handling, a remarkable interior and the sound of a V12 wasn’t enough, rest assured, the DB9’s mesmerising looks will win over not only the ladies but the respect of all car lovers and art critiques as well.

Inside the DB9

Moran leather sofas are expensive purchases, around $9000 for a two-seater. The leather is some of the finest in Australia and I’m told, will last a lifetime.

But you won’t find Moran leather in the Aston Martin DB9. No sir. This fine Scottish leather is from a company called Bridge of Weir, which has been manufacturing leather since 1758!

db9-seats.jpgdb9-dash.jpg
They do the leatherwork in the DB9, private jets and very large yachts, the kind that only Arab oil tycoons can afford.

Its not just the leather seats, there are acres of Bridge on Weir Chancellor Red leather inside the DB9. The dash, the doors, the facia, its everywhere and its all hand stitched.



db9-door.jpg
The 700w high-end sound system in the DB9 is by LINN, another bespoke company also based in Scotland. Must be all that delicious fried black pudding that produces such dedicated craftspeople.

db9-centre-stack.jpg


The sound is astonishing but to tell you the truth, I couldn’t read the tiny print on the audio buttons without my reading glasses.
Titanium coloured aluminium features are a superb contrast to the leather and are again featured throughout the car. The door openers are especially tasty.
Door trim in the test car was the optional Piano Black look, which sat well with the other materials making for a thoroughly contemporary look.
The detail is extraordinary. When I first closed the door, I felt the softest suede on the inside edge of the door handle.
I’m not entirely sold on starter buttons but the polished cut glass unit in the DB9 could only be described as beautiful.
Sitting in the driver’s seat of the Aston for the first time borders on a religious and divine experience, such is the history and reputation behind this car company.
Trivia (When I was last in the UK in 2002, I drove without Sat Nav for 5 hours in an attempt to locate Aston Martin’s (now old) HQ at Newport Pagnel. We ended up arriving at this little village at 10.30pm with not a single Aston in sight. That is, until I decided to climb the fortress like high wooden gates to the service area and behold, one of the greatest collections of Aston Martin cars of all time).


As you submerge into the racing style seats, which are infinitely more comfortable than they look, you are sitting at the lowest point possible without being in a go kart. Low centre of gravity seat placement is crucial for balance. Don’t go looking for the electric seat controls in the usual spot though – they’re not there. Aston has placed them in full view of driver and passenger beside you on the centre stack. A far more useful location.

The DB9 is a large car with sizeable dimensions but it’s shorter than both a Jaguar XK and the Maserati Quattroporte. It’s a true 2 + 2 so there’s room in the rear for two small kids or one very slim adult with size 8 feet.
No matter how high the price tag – there is almost always an options list when it comes to exotic marques. Not sure about the Rolls Royce Phantom though, I’ll get back to you on that.
Aston Martin is no different, although standard kit is reasonably complete. Features include; leather and walnut trim, memory seats with exterior mirrors, 11 way electric seats which are heated, auto temperature control (dual zone), organic electroluminescent display (crystal clear day and night no matter what the light conditions), satellite navigation (it does the job, but not the best system we have used, although it’s hidden inside the fascia until you need it), powerfold mirrors, alarm system and of course an umbrella and holder for the London weather we have experienced this winter in NSW.
There’s also a battery disconnect switch and a battery conditioner for the no doubt, frequent overseas trips that Aston owners take.
Standout options are the Sports Pack and LINN 950 W audio system.

Bang and Olufsen makes sweet, sweet music with Aston Martin

Aston Martin DBS
The new Aston Martin DBS gets a Bang & Olufsen audio system.
(Credit: CBS Interactive)
The Aston Martin DBS is a beautiful car, and sitting in one is a very special experience. Sitting in a DBS and listening to a Bang & Olufsen audio system takes that special experience and adds a choir of angels. The high-end Danish audio-components maker lends its expertise to Aston Martin with its Beosound DBS system, now coming as standard in the new DBS. At the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show we sat in the DBS as a Bang & Olufsen representative played a variety of music through the system.

The car spun around on its turntable as a drum-and-bass track played at full volume. The staging was perfect, giving the aural illusion that a drum kit was five feet in front. Each beat on the kit gave us the distinct sound of bass, snare, and cymbal. The bass guitar joined in, and we could hear the flex of the strings. Another track with a female jazz singer placed her right over the hood of the car, then an orchestral track made banks of strings and woodwinds clear enough that we could almost tell which instrument was first chair.







Acoustic lenses pop up from the dashboard.
(Credit: CBS Interactive)
Bang & Olufsen's priorities are staging and imaging, making the sound come from a distinct place, as if you had the best seat in the house, right in front of the stage. To accomplish this effect in the Aston Martin DBS, the company found places for 13 speakers, including two pop-up acoustic lenses at opposite ends of the dashboard, just like in the Audi A8. And where most companies are happy to put a tweeter at the base of the A pillar, Bang & Olufsen got to put mid-range speakers up there, mounted in the front top edge of the doors. Woofers are also mounted in a unique position, on either side of the console, in the front footwells. More speakers are mounted in the rear, along with a subwoofer, while a tweeter and mid-range acted as a centerfill in the middle of the dashboard. Mounting is of very high quality--we heard no rattle as heavy bass made the whole car feel as if it was moving. 




Mids sit near the A pillars, in the door sills.
(Credit: CBS Interactive)
A thousand watts of amplification power this system. Thirteen channels, one for each speaker, with Bang & Olufsen digital processing ensure that the audio comes out clean and well-placed. Ostensibly the DBS has two rear seats, but Bang & Olufsen ignored that charade and focused the sound on the driver and passenger seats. The audio can be set to focus the sweet spot on the driver, but when the passenger seatbelt is buckled that sweet spot is enhanced to include the passenger. Even wilder, the system is tuned for dual imaging, meaning that there are two sweet spots, letting driver and passenger enjoy equally good quality.
The Beosound DBS system uses advanced audio adjustment to overcome changing environment sound, monitoring engine speed, and noise in the cabin. The system changes levels quickly to compensate for noise in a manner that is supposed to be seamless to the car's occupants.

2007 Aston Martin DB9 Coupe Road Test

2007 Aston Martin DB9 Coupe

To put it plainly, while Ferraris and Lamborghinis are almost toy-like and tend to put out that “compensating” image, Aston Martins are beautifully crafted confidence machines. Sitting behind the wheel of the DB9 oozes one thing. Confidence. And that’s mainly due to the car’s subtle yet outstanding looks.





Think of it this way, the Ferraris and Lamborghinis of today will look outdated and ridiculous in 10 years time, while the DB9 will still look the part. Instead of going for a futuristic look, Aston Martin has styled the DB9 to be the best looking Grand Tourer on the planet today. A timeless shape.

The DB9 doesn’t have to shout with its looks, like a patient predator, the DB9 can sit calmly next to a cafĂ© as you enjoy a drink, but when its time to go, it will turn every head with its presence. Initially when we picked up the Aston we nearly walked right past it, it’s a case of a double-take with the DB9, you look, and then you look again and realise that you have just laid eyes upon a masterpiece.

The design was started by Ian Calum and finished by Henrik Fisker. What these two men created is arguably the best looking Aston Martin to date. Far more sophisticated and graceful than the DB7. You can look at it in every which way you want, you can even hang upside down from a tree if you want to, the DB9 is stunning from the front, side and rear.



While driving around Sydney, it was obvious the DB9 was a little more conspicuous than our last supercar, the Murcielago. If you’re wondering why you would fork out $350,000 for a subtle looking DB9 over, say, a Lamborghini Gallardo ($400,000) which looks like a spaceship from Area 51, it’s good to stop here and put a big line between the Italian supercars and the DB9.

Here is the truth, while the Murcielago, Gallardo and F430 are all exceptional cars in their own right, the DB9 is a different car altogether. For so long Porsche has dominated the everyday supercar market with the 911 and although the DB9 sits above the 911 in every respect, the concept is the same. The DB9 is what 911 owners dream of and what Ferrari/Lambo owners wish they had bought, it is the ultimate GT car that you can drive from Brisbane to Sydney (try that in your Gallardo) and straight onto a race track the next day.

If you want to compare looks to Grand Tourers from the Italians, let’s have a look at the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti:

From the outside you can instantly recognise the DB9 as an Aston Martin thanks to the marque’s trademark radiator grille and powerful rear haunches. It’s a sign of the times; Aston Martin is producing a stunner of a car while the rest of the world is concerned with futuristic styles that tend to be a hit-and-miss affair.
If you’re still not convinced the DB9 is the best looking Grand Tourer on the planet today, all you have to do is park it in a busy street filled with trendy cafes and wait for the comments. Instead of the regular “Oh my, that looks nice & expensive… he must be having a midlife crisis” comments that you get with a Ferrari & Lambo, with a DB9 expect the “Sorry to interrupt sir, but I just wanted to tell you that I absolutely adore your car…” comments instead.

As if performance, handling, a remarkable interior and the sound of a V12 wasn’t enough, rest assured, the DB9’s mesmerising looks will win over not only the ladies but the respect of all car lovers and art critiques as well.

Inside the DB9

Moran leather sofas are expensive purchases, around $9000 for a two-seater. The leather is some of the finest in Australia and I’m told, will last a lifetime.

But you won’t find Moran leather in the Aston Martin DB9. No sir. This fine Scottish leather is from a company called Bridge of Weir, which has been manufacturing leather since 1758!

They do the leatherwork in the DB9, private jets and very large yachts, the kind that only Arab oil tycoons can afford.

Its not just the leather seats, there are acres of Bridge on Weir Chancellor Red leather inside the DB9. The dash, the doors, the facia, its everywhere and its all hand stitched.



db9-door.jpg http://carmodifcation.blogspot.com/
The 700w high-end sound system in the DB9 is by LINN, another bespoke company also based in Scotland. Must be all that delicious fried black pudding that produces such dedicated craftspeople.



The sound is astonishing but to tell you the truth, I couldn’t read the tiny print on the audio buttons without my reading glasses.
Titanium coloured aluminium features are a superb contrast to the leather and are again featured throughout the car. The door openers are especially tasty.
Door trim in the test car was the optional Piano Black look, which sat well with the other materials making for a thoroughly contemporary look.
The detail is extraordinary. When I first closed the door, I felt the softest suede on the inside edge of the door handle.
I’m not entirely sold on starter buttons but the polished cut glass unit in the DB9 could only be described as beautiful.
Sitting in the driver’s seat of the Aston for the first time borders on a religious and divine experience, such is the history and reputation behind this car company.
Trivia (When I was last in the UK in 2002, I drove without Sat Nav for 5 hours in an attempt to locate Aston Martin’s (now old) HQ at Newport Pagnel. We ended up arriving at this little village at 10.30pm with not a single Aston in sight. That is, until I decided to climb the fortress like high wooden gates to the service area and behold, one of the greatest collections of Aston Martin cars of all time).


As you submerge into the racing style seats, which are infinitely more comfortable than they look, you are sitting at the lowest point possible without being in a go kart. Low centre of gravity seat placement is crucial for balance. Don’t go looking for the electric seat controls in the usual spot though – they’re not there. Aston has placed them in full view of driver and passenger beside you on the centre stack. A far more useful location.









db9-paddles.jpg



db9-instru.jpg

http://carmodifcation.blogspot.com/
The DB9 is a large car with sizeable dimensions but it’s shorter than both a Jaguar XK and the Maserati Quattroporte. It’s a true 2 + 2 so there’s room in the rear for two small kids or one very slim adult with size 8 feet.
No matter how high the price tag – there is almost always an options list when it comes to exotic marques. Not sure about the Rolls Royce Phantom though, I’ll get back to you on that.
Aston Martin is no different, although standard kit is reasonably complete. Features include; leather and walnut trim, memory seats with exterior mirrors, 11 way electric seats which are heated, auto temperature control (dual zone), organic electroluminescent display (crystal clear day and night no matter what the light conditions), satellite navigation (it does the job, but not the best system we have used, although it’s hidden inside the fascia until you need it), powerfold mirrors, alarm system and of course an umbrella and holder for the London weather we have experienced this winter in NSW.
There’s also a battery disconnect switch and a battery conditioner for the no doubt, frequent overseas trips that Aston owners take.
Standout options are the Sports Pack and LINN 950 W audio system.