Reviews 4 Cars

Owners of Aston Martin’s DB9 can now substantially improve the stopping performance of their cars. The new Caparo high-performance brake upgrade package uses technology developed for the astonishing Caparo T1 hypercar, cutting stopping distances, reducing fade under regular heavy braking and increasing feel and consistency.

“With 470bhp from its 6 litre, V12 engine, the DB9 rewards drivers with stunning levels of performance,” says Nick Mennell, technical director, Caparo AP Braking. “However, some owners have told us that particularly spirited drivers, including those taking part in track days, would like additional braking power. With more than 80 years’ experience in developing high-performance automotive braking systems, our team of 18 braking engineers have developed an aftermarket upgrade kit that delivers what they need without adding extra weight or compromising performance while cold.”

The DB9’s original 330mm rear discs remain the same with the 355mm front disc replaced by 378mm discs, made from specially selected high-performance materials. Calipers are extremely rigid opposed piston four pots at the front and four pots at the rear, each machined from a single casting of aluminium to provide exceptional stability and performance.

During a number of tests on the upgrade Caparo noted improvements in a number of key areas of braking performance. The thermal capacity of the new discs has been improved, with an 18 percent reduction in peak temperature during a fade test, meaning that the new brakes can be applied for longer before any brake fade occurs. Pedal effort is also improved with the upgrade offering the same level of deceleration as the original with 30 percent less force being applied to the pedal. Caparo has also changed the brake distribution with 63 percent now being applied to the front brakes compared with 60 percent under the original set-up. These improvements to the brake system delivered a 24 percent reduction in stopping distance during an AMS fade test, giving owners greater control and stopping power.

James Bond is a customary man. Not agitated saving the world from evil leaders, whereas his undue Martini drinking habits proceed. James Bond now has a new custom: to destroy the Aston Martin DBS. 

The new 007 movie, Quantum of Solace, features a long pursuit by the mountains of Carrara (Italy), finishing with the Aston Martin DBS biting the dust, again.  There’s still a long wait for the movie release, so we’ll just have wait to see what 007 pulls out this time.

To prevent such costly accidents, I suggest Mr James Bond moderates his Martini drinking habits. 

Quantum of Solace relase dates:
United Kingdom, 31-Oct-08
United States, 07-Nov-08

Aston Martin will be hosting a recharged V8 Vantage with a scope of upgrades in 2009.

Optional transmissions have been developed further; the 6-speed manual will be functioning with a modified clutch and flywheel, and the Sportshift automatic has been programmed to give the V8 Vantage smoother shifts. Revised suspension with stiffer spring rates improve steering geometry, while stiffer bushings in the front suspension improve handling. A new centre console completed in graphite silver as well as an ECU leave the standard key redundant. Appreciatively, V8 Vantages beautiful exterior lines remain untouched, although new 19-inch wheels are available.

The highlighted upgrade for the V8 Vantage will be more power. Originally set with a 4.3 litre V8, Aston Martin have bored the Vantage to an 4.7 Litre V8, resulting in a 11% increase in power to 420 bhp and a 15% increase in torque to 347 lb-ft. Surprise Surprise, Aston Martin have still managed to increase fuel economy by 13%.