The most critical innovation introduced by the DB9 was not its engine or its exterior design, but
rather the architecture that supported it. The model debuted the VH (Vertical/Horizontal) platform, an
engineering philosophy that would dictate the construction of all Aston Martins of the "Gaydon Era" until
the arrival of the DB11 in 2016.
The Bonded Aluminium Architecture
The term "Vertical/Horizontal" refers to the modular flexibility of the platform, allowing it to be
stretched or shortened in vertical and horizontal dimensions to support different models — from the compact
Vantage to the Rapide sedan — using the same manufacturing processes and fundamental mounting points. This
allowed Aston Martin, a low-volume manufacturer, to dilute chassis development costs across multiple
vehicles.
The construction of the DB9's chassis represented a technological break from the past. Abandoning
traditional steel construction, Gaydon's engineers opted for an extruded and bonded aluminium chassis. The
process involved joining aluminium panels and extruded beams using high-strength aerospace-grade epoxy
adhesives, complemented by mechanical rivets.
- Technical Advantages: This technique, similar to that used in the Lotus
Elise, avoids the heat of welding that can distort the metal, resulting in a structure with much more
precise tolerances.
- Rigidity and Weight: The result was a chassis that weighed 25% less than
the DB7's bodyshell but offered double the torsional rigidity. This rigidity is fundamental to
suspension performance, allowing the dampers to work efficiently without the interference of chassis
flex.
Composite Materials and Mass Distribution
To achieve optimal dynamic balance, Aston Martin employed a mixed-material strategy in the bodywork
and structural components:
- Aluminium: Used for the bonnet, roof, and rear wings.
- Lightweight Composites: The front wings and boot lid were manufactured from
composite materials to reduce weight at the vehicle's extremities, lowering the polar moment of inertia
and improving cornering response.
- Magnesium: Employed in the steering column and internal door structures,
saving crucial kilograms in high areas of the vehicle, which helps lower the center of gravity.
The weight distribution was meticulously planned to achieve the perfect 50:50 ratio between the front
and rear axles. To do this, the gearbox was rear-mounted (transaxle configuration), connected to the engine
by a lightweight alloy torque tube containing a carbon fiber driveshaft. The V12 engine was positioned in a
"front-mid" configuration, meaning physically behind the front axle line, ensuring that most of the mass was
contained within the wheelbase.