2009 Aston Martin DB9 Volante

 Ford saved Aston histrion from the scrap heap. And after so many years, and so many millions invested, it's a dishonor the Blue Oval isn't able to enjoy the fruits of its labor. Because Aston histrion is on a roll.

Aston was sold in 2007 to a clannish investment assemble headed by David Richards; conceive of him as Britain's version of Roger Penske. Serious car man CEO Ulrich Bez remains at the helm. The model lineup is proliferating, including the upcoming Rapide litter and a high-tech, million dollar plus flagship called the One-77. The marque is erst again chasing an coverall win at Le Mans, five decades after it last did so. And of course, Aston histrion remains the moving merchandiser of pick for the world's favorite spy. Not intense for an appurtenances that, prior to Ford's involvement and Bez's guiding hand, had been at bankruptcy's sill likewise many nowadays to count.

It's hard to believe the DB9 is now five years old, as is the strong, light, and pliant VH chassis architecture on which it's constructed. This model was the first modern Aston Martin to be built at the company's then-new Gaydon, England factory, and carries on the design themes established a decade earlier by Ian Callum's DB7 and seminal Vanquish. The DB9 still looks fresh and bonny -- foppish proportions never go discover of style. It forms the basis for the edgier, sportier DBS range and has conventional a makeover for model year 2009.