2005 Aston Martin DB9

Although the Aston Martin DB9 could be used solely as Point A-to-Point B transportation, doing so almost should not be allowed. It would just undermine the incredible aesthetic achievement that Aston has pulled off. The DB9 is a spectacular piece of work, both inside and out. Here, the term "vehicle" applies in a broader, more conceptual sense. That is, the lucky few who experience the DB9, aside from arriving at their physical destination, will also be transported to the narrow realm of unparalleled automotive execution.

Aston Martin's design philosophy is simple: build a beautiful, elegant, and modern interpretation of a traditional sports car. In addition, make it a worthy successor to the DB7, Aston Martin's best selling vehicle ever. This British marque chose a somewhat minimalist approach with the new model, leaving off extraneous trim, hiding the front and rear bumpers, and extending the hood right to the front edge of the super car. To make it look like the DB9 was milled from a single piece of metal, Aston Martin has set the headlights into the front fenders and made the door handles flush. Curves appear everywhere - the roofline, the rear clip, the fender flares, the hood - and suggest "a supremely fit person," according to AM. They strove for this image over the hard, jagged, body-builder-type look. Aluminum 19-in. wheels and tires fill the fenders and maintain athletic proportion. Both Coupe and Convertible (called Volante) versions will be offered.