While Aston Martin is working on the successor to the DB9, the automobile company has released a new GT trim level for the DB9 that packs 540 horsepower into the already impressive vehicle.
The 540 horsepower is 40 horsepower higher compared to the standard trim of the DB9, though the vehicle still features the familiar 6.0-liter V-12 engine that Ford exclusively built for Aston Martin's DB9. The all-alloy engine combines with a six-speed automatic transmission which is able to provide the DB9 GT with an acceleration of 4.5 seconds to go from 0 to 62 mph, up to a top speed of 183 mph.
The extra performance of the engine, however, is not the only thing that Aston Martin will upgrade with the DB9 with the GT trim. The company will be providing more options for the DB9's color and interior trim, and the steering wheel of the car has been updated to feature a design that draws inspiration from the One-77 supercar.
One of the most notable upgrades is the introduction of a touch-based infotainment system that is an update to the Ami system first seen in the second generation of the Vanquish. The new system has an updated menu structure with improvements to the integration of text messages, information on the status of the vehicles and customization options.
The DB9 GT is identified through the "GT" badge and black-colored accents. The car's 20-inch wheels have a unique multi-spoke design with the fuel filler cap engraved with the "GT" label.
The DB9 with the GT trim will be unveiled for the first time by Aston Martin at the 2015 Goodwood Festival of Speed in the United Kingdom. The vehicle will have a starting price of $199,950 and will be arriving in showrooms within the year.
"Our process of constant improvement, development and refinement of our core sports cars never stops," said Andy Palmer, CEO of Aston Martin.
The updates offered for the DB9 GT will also be added to the 2016 models of the Rapide S and Vantage, including the upgraded Ami infotainment system, with Palmer adding that these developments demonstrate Aston Martin's continuous search for improvement.
