2005 Aston Martin DB9 Volante Preview

While it looks like a roadster the DB9 in fact seats four just like its predecessor, albeit tightly. (Photo: Aston Martin)

Did you notice I mentioned "rear seats" in the previous paragraph? While it looks like a roadster the DB9 in fact seats four just like its predecessor, but to be fair it more accurately fits two adults up front and two halflings in the back. Still parents of small children, or more likely grandparents of small children, will appreciate the flexibility of two extra seatbelts.

All occupants will enjoy the same high-grade Connolly leather seats and trim, rich lacquer-finished burled walnut veneer accents and exquisitely detailed aluminum finery. Along with Aston's tradition of luxury comes the first application of a digital information system, combining audio, navigation, cellular phone, trip computer and the ability to program personalized settings into one LCD screen interface.

While personalizing driver preferences might be new, the opportunity to custom order the DB9 Volante with one-of-a-kind features, from something as simple as a unique interior treatment all the way up to an outlandish wide body ultra-performance version, is possible through Aston Martin's Works division. Incidentally A-M Works does a great deal more than modifications, including maintenance and repairs, unleaded fuel upgrades to older cars, etc.

No upgrades will be necessary when it comes to safety.

The DB9 Volante is easily worthy of the legendary Aston Martin nameplate. (Photo: Aston Martin)

The DB9 Volante features dual front airbags, deployable rollover hoops behind the rear seats, reinforced A-pillars and beefed up door sills. Lionel Walker Birch Martin and Robert Bamford, Aston Martin's founders, would undoubtedly be proud of the new DB9 Volante, a car easily worthy of the legendary nameplate. Expect it to become available in the fall of 2004 as a 2005 model.