Aston Martin DB9

The Aston Martin DB9 debuted in 2003 as a replacement for the DB7, which was available from 1994 to 2003.  Both cars were designed by Ian Callum.
The DB9 is built upon Ford's exclusive VH rear-wheel drive sports car platform, which is also the foundation for the current Aston Mantin Vantage and the upcoming Vanquish.  
While the DB7 and DB9 are similar in both name and appearance, the new DB is a dramatic departure from its grand tourer predecessor.  The DB7 was based on Jaguar's XJ-S coupe, also designed by Callum, while the DB9 utilizes an entirely new construction.  It is the first car to be assembled at Aston Martin cutting-edge Gaydon, England plant, and its aluminum-boded chassis is an Aston Martin first.  
This is why there is no DB8.  Moving from DB7 to DB8 would not adequately attest to the innovations that separate the two.  The DB9 is fitted with same 6.0 liter V12 that the DB7 received in 1999.  Previously, the DB7 had been powered by a supercharged inline six.  The V12 provides 450 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque, and it can be paired with either a six speed automatic or six speed manual transmission.  
Performance is enhanced by a perfect 50:50 weight distribution of a remarkably light 3769 pounds.