Weekends: Aston Martin DB9 Carbon Edition

The drive from downtown London to the home of Aston Martin in Gaydon takes approximately two and one half hours. That is assuming, of course, you don’t run into traffic or miss your exit at one or more of the many roundabouts along the way. Arriving at the factory somewhat exhausted from the drive, it wasn’t long before I was sitting behind the wheel of the 2015 Aston Martin DB9 Carbon Edition. A stunning achievement in automotive art and technology, I can see why British Secret Service Agent 007 has long been a fan of the marquee. I am suddenly stirred and no longer shaken by the past few hours of driving.

What makes Aston Martin such a powerhouse in the exotic automotive community is due in part to the fact they have mastered the craft of getting the most out of every vehicle they produce. The DB9 was first introduced at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show and while it has undergone numerous upgrades and iterations, including a convertible version (Volante), it remains fundamentally the same vehicle. In terms of automotive brands and in particular a specific model such as this, a twelve year run at the top is very rare. But for Aston Martin it works perfectly, so why argue with success.

Power for the 2015 Aston Martin DB9 Carbon Edition comes in the form of an aluminum alloy 6.0-litre 48-valve V12 engine. It is a barnstormer and responds to my peddle interactions with a resounding 510 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 457 lb.-ft. at 5,500 rpm. Matched to a rear mid-mounted 6-speed automatic transmission with electronic shift-by-wire technology, this DB9 accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds. Top speed reaches 295 km/h!

Brakes are equally robust with 6-piston front and 4-piston rear calipers mounted on ventilated carbon ceramic discs. Not only do they look amazing, they respond to my every command with authority. Driving on England’s roadways is exciting for many reasons, not the least of which because as a Canadian I am motoring down what I would consider the wrong side of the road. That and the highways are narrow with large Lorries (trucks) seeming to pop out from behind hedges and blind corners when you least expect it. Superior braking is just as important as fast acceleration and I find myself hauling on the binders more than once.

Independent front and rear suspension with coil springs and anti-dive geometry is mounted to a lightweight and strong aluminum undercarriage. Inside, surrounded by exquisite hand-stitched leather, piano-black accents with just the right amount of chrome and seating for two plus 2, the experience is one I am hard-pressed to outdo. Ferrari’s and Lamborghini’s are exceptional, but when in the UK, nothing beats arriving at your destination in a shiny all-black brand new Aston Martin DB9. On that note, London’s calling, so it’s back to the city and a weekend stay at Canary Wharf.

The Canary Riverside Plaza Hotel is one of the city’s most impressive hotels. Whether you are here for a vacation, or require some place special for your next business meeting, this is definitely the place to be. Located on the River Thames, with easy ferry access to all major points in the city by water, it is even possible to leave the Aston Martin parked with the valet and get to where I want to go with no fear of rush hour traffic.

Rooms range in size from Standard river view to deluxe, superior and one-bedroom suites. A tour of the Penthouse is enough to make me wish I had the bankroll to go along with the car. The view of the city is spectacular; few things compare to seeing the historic landmarks of London spread out before you on a cloudless summer day.

Dining takes place at Quadrato Restaurant, their specialty is Italian cuisine served in a casual, refined setting. The service is per eccellenza! Quadrato bar offers a full menu of made-to-order drinks; martinis shaken, of course. Across the courtyard, a glass enclosed indoor pool provides the perfect setting for a morning workout or late evening dip.

Nearby, the Virgin Active Health Club offers state-of-the-art equipment, a full-service spa and gated access. Our host informs us the rooftop pool played its part in the 007 movie ‘Skyfall’ as a setting in Shanghai, China. Guests of the hotel are encouraged to take full advantage of the amenities and bond with the surroundings. Throughout the property, the exceptional hotel staff makes the Canary Riverside Plaza Hotel feel like the perfect secret hiding place to get away from it all.

Driving back to Gaydon, the Aston Martin DB9 Carbon Edition impresses with every turn of the steering wheel and press of the accelerator pedal. It is tight and feels connected to me like a finely tailored tuxedo. Sightlines are near perfect for this svelte coupe and the blistering performance available from the V12 engine is intoxicating. All too soon the ride is over, but not before this DB9 has left its mark on my top 10 list of exotic cars. The secret is out.

2015 Aston Martin DB9
Trim level: Carbon Edition
Configuration: front-engine, rear-wheel drive
Engine/transmission: 6.0L V12/ 6-spd automatic
Power/torque: 510 hp/ 457 lb-ft.
Fuel (capacity): premium (78L)
Competitors: Jaguar XKR-S Coupe, Maserati GranTurismo MC, Mercedes-Benz CL 63 AMG, Porsche 911 Turbo

Related links:
Aston Martin

Where to stay:
Canary Riverside Plaza Hotel
46 Westferry Circus London, UK
E14 8RS
www.canaryriversideplaza.com