2003 Aston Martin DB7 GT Overview

This is especially true when factoring in the new DB7 GT. A healthy 435-hp and 410 lb-ft of torque is produced by its 48-valve, DOHC 5.9-L V12 - 15-hp and 10 lb-ft more than the regular DB7, derived by a remapped engine management system (EMS) and more free flowing exhaust. That's a substantial amount of power, but it needs to be in order to make the 1,780 kg (3,924 lb) GT feel lively. And it goes, with acceleration to 100 km/h taking a mere 4.9 seconds? While on the

Besides an opulent interior an ample dose of speed is part of the DB7 package, and even more so in the 435-hp 48-valve, DOHC 5.9-L V12 GT version. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

tardy side compared to Porsche's 3.9 second to 100 km/h 911 GT2 or Ferrari's 4.2 second 575M, it's still ruddy quick. I mean, have you ever sprinted to 100 km/h from standstill in under 5 seconds? It's an awesome experience. I drive over a hundred new cars a year and still have had the pleasure of only a dozen or so that are capable of this feat.

A variety of suspension mods, including revalved dampers and relocation of the steering rack, have improved the DB7 GT's road holding prowess. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

What's monumental about the new engine is its 12-cylinder configuration. Initially all DB's, even 007's (Sean Connery not Pierce Brosnan), received only inline 6-cylinder engines - plenty powerful for their respective eras nonetheless. The '70s brought V8 coupes and convertibles, only in the brand's pinnacle models. It seems that the relationship with Ford's Premier Auto Group is finally paying dividends in parts sourcing, as the new V12 is a much more technologically advanced engine than anything ever produced by Newport Pagnell previously. The DB7's V12 will spin to 7,000 rpm on its way up through the gears, shifted either manually through a Tremec 6-speed transaxle, reportedly modified for snappier shifts and a more positive feel, with power routing to the rear wheels via a new twin-plate racing clutch - the standard DB7 uses a single plate clutch.

Balancing the power a variety of suspension mods improve on the DB7's road holding prowess, starting with revalved dampers and ending with the relocation of the steering rack, said to enhance overall steering feel.