ZEEGNITION/Ishaan Rastogi
The name is 'Bond, James Bond' and for over five decades the British Secret Service's top agent has brought in billions of dollar through resounding successful films. An incredibly suave personality, armed with some of the world’s most advanced technology and deadly weaponry, Ian Flemming's James Bond is the perfect spy.
And while the constant change in technology is supplied to Agent 007, as he’s commonly referred to, one of the constants in almost all the Bond films has been the choice of car used by him – the iconic, all-British, Aston Martin.
This year will see the launch of yet another near-certain blockbuster Bond-hit called Spectre. And to celebrate the launch of one of 2015’s most highly anticipated action films, Aston Martin has launched the ultra-exclusive DB9 GT Bond Edition. The special edition is based on the recently launched DB9 GT which offers some of the best grand touring abilities in addition to the hand-crafted excellence of the fabulous DB9. The Bond Edition further adds a host of painstakingly considered trims, equipment and accessory additions to celebrate the British manufacturer’s half-century association with the world’s most famous MI6 agent. The change in styling epitomises subtlety and includes unique ten-spoke gloss black diamond turned 20-inch alloy wheels, bright aluminium bonnet vents, side strakes and grille, carbon fibre front splitter and rear diffuser, and grey brake calipers. Additionally, the 6.0-litre V12 engined tourer also features a unique ‘Spectre Silver’ paint job with sterling silver Aston Martin badges and discreet 007 Bond Edition exterior badging. Besides the cosmetic changes, the engine and technology used in the special edition is the same as what is used in the powerful DB9 GT.
On the insides, the Bond Edition Aston has plaques featuring the 007 logo, gun barrel embroidery on the rear seat divider and a special edition start-up screen on the Ami II touch-sensitive infotainment display. These embellishments add to the DB9 GT’s luxurious cabin feel with swathes of fluted leather, Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel and a satin carbon fibre central console.
Aston Martin is also offering a range of Bond-themed accessories such as an Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150m James Bond Limited Edition watch complete with a unique Aston Martin strap which is presented in a finely-crafted 21” Globe-Trotter trolley case finished with an embossed leather luggage tag.
Aston Martin CEO Dr Andy Palmer said, “Aston Martin and James Bond are intrinsically linked in the minds of many of our enthusiasts and, indeed, owners, worldwide.
“In the run-up to the launch of the new film, Spectre, which sees Bond behind the wheel of the DB10, we are very happy to be able to celebrate the partnership with this superb limited edition DB9 GT collector’s item.”
Dr Palmer added, “I’m sure the 150 owners worldwide who succeed in acquiring one of these exceptional sports cars will, like the rest of us, delight in seeing Spectre when it is released later this year.”
The Aston Martin DB9 GT Bond Edition can be yours if your pockets are deep enough to afford the £165,000 (approximately Rs 1.67 crore) price tag.
