Most DBS center-console switchgear is now made of glass. The 2011 Aston Martin DBS is a modified version of the sexy Aston Martin DB9, and while the DBS and DB9 are certainly similar in appearance, a longer look will reveal the DBS's bulging fenders, additional air vents and more chiseled fascia.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2011 Aston Martin DBS is available in coupe and convertible (DBS Volante) body styles. Two seats are standard, although you can have the standard rear parcel shelves replaced by two tiny seats as an option.
Standard equipment includes 20-inch wheels, an electronically adjustable suspension, carbon-ceramic brakes, xenon headlights, front and rear parking sensors, automatic power-folding outside mirrors, cruise control, an eight-way power driver seat with memory functions, a four-way power passenger seat, leather/faux suede upholstery, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth, a hard-drive-based navigation system and a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen surround-sound audio system with an in-dash six-CD changer, an auxiliary audio jack and an iPod interface. Major options include different wheel designs, upgraded performance tires, a suede-trimmed steering wheel and satellite radio. The 2011 Aston Martin DBS is powered by a 6.0-liter V12 that produces 510 hp and 420 pound-feet of torque.
Safety The 2011 Aston Martin DBS comes with a fair amount of safety equipment for an exotic sports car. Subtle carbon-fiber trim lines areas of the doors, while tasteful alloy trim and optional piano-black trim (a must-have) adorn the center console.
Driving Impressions The 2011 Aston Martin DBS is surprisingly easy to drive. If you want a balance between grand touring comfort and hard-core driving histrionics, the DBS is it.
For 2011, the Aston Martin DB9 gets a very mild refresh to the front and rear styling -- you'll need side-by-side photos to tell the difference. In the here and now, the 2011 Aston Martin DB9 has more to worry about than its place in a future museum. The DB9 brings to the table the same lightweight yet structurally rigid all-aluminum platform that underpins every Aston Martin. We give the 2011 Aston Martin DB9 our whole-hearted enthusiastic endorsement, but with a significant caveat -- there are a lot of wonderful cars available for the same or less money than the DB9.
The 2011 Aston Martin DB9 is an exotic GT available in two body styles: coupe and Volante convertible.
The Volante adds a wind deflector.
Options include front parking sensors and a Bang & Olufsen surround-sound audio system. The rear-wheel-drive DB9 is powered by a 5.9-liter V12 that produces 470 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, while a six-speed automatic with shift paddles on the steering wheel is available. Aston Martin estimates that the DB9 will go from zero to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds regardless of transmission. The 2011 Aston Martin DB9 comes with antilock brakes with brake assist, traction and stability control, front side airbags (which protect head and torso) and rear parking sensors. Front parking sensors are optional.
The cabin's decent outward visibility makes the DB9 less onerous to drive than some other exotics.
Driving Impressions The 2011 Aston Martin DB9 is striking in the ease with which it drives down the road. The DB9 has always been exhilarating to drive, changing direction easily and responding smartly to steering and braking inputs, but now the Sport setting of the two-mode active suspension gives the car a dimension of ultra-high performance, making the discontinued Sport Suspension package unnecessary.
The 2010 Acura ZDX is a new style-driven midsize luxury crossover.
The 2010 Acura ZDX begins life as the MDX crossover, a vehicle we've long admired for bringing capable handling and three-row crossover functionality under one roof.
The ZDX's standard six-speed automatic transmission further distinguishes it from other Acura models. Less impressive ZDX distinctions include just 56 cubic feet of cargo space (about the same as a Honda Fit), a meager 1,500-pound towing rating (the MDX can tow 5,000 pounds) and a cramped, coupelike backseat.
There's a healthy 300 horsepower on tap, but the ZDX has 4,400 pounds to haul around.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and OptionsThe 2010 Acura ZDX is a midsize five-passenger crossover SUV. There are two significant options packages for the ZDX. The Advance package includes these features plus electronically adjustable suspension dampers, a blind-spot warning system, adaptive cruise control, heated and ventilated front seats and a sport steering wheel.
The 2010 ZDX features the same Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system found in many Acura products. A six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control is standard.
The ZDX's maximum towing capacity is 1,500 pounds.Standard safety equipment for the 2010 Acura ZDX includes antilock disc brakes with brake assist, stability control, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and active front head restraints.
Driving ImpressionsThe 2010 Acura ZDX tracks capably around corners, thanks to the SH-AWD system that mitigates understeer by sending torque to the wheels that need it most.
Most DBS center-console switchgear is now made of glass. The 2011 Aston Martin DBS is a modified version of the sexy Aston Martin DB9, and while the DBS and DB9 are certainly similar in appearance, a longer look will reveal the DBS's bulging fenders, additional air vents and more chiseled fascia.
