Robb Report Editors Select Aston Martin DB9 as 2005 Car of the Year

Luxury Lifestyle Authority Lauds Exceptional Styling and Performance

MALIBU, Calif., Jan. 5 -- Praised as "a rare automobile that will go the distance, and then go beyond the farthest horizon," the Aston Martin DB9 has been selected by the editors of Robb Report as the magazine's 2005 Car of the Year.

Scheduled to be formally announced at the 2005 Greater Los Angeles Auto Show on January 5, the award is presented annually to an automobile, formally introduced in the previous year, whose technical designs, styling and performance position it as the world's preeminent sports or luxury car.

Selected from a field of 13 sports cars, luxury coupes and Sport Utility Vehicles, the DB9 earned top honors by "combining unmatched elegance and luxury with a blisteringly-fast V12 engine," according to the magazine's Senior Vice President and Automotive Editor Robert Ross.

"In the gran turismo tradition, it also has the distinction of being the shapeliest Aston since the DB5, which is one of the most beautiful cars ever made," Mr. Ross further stated. "The DB9 is truly a future classic."

Mr. Ross' observations were echoed in the magazine's cover story by Editor-at-large Paul Dean, who praised the DB9's "design of perfect proportions, which offers visual satisfaction from any elevation or angle. At rest, this vehicle appears restless, because on the move, it is merciless."

The DB9 was also lauded for its voracious 6.0-liter, 450 hp V-12 engine, which positions it as "probably the only car capable of threatening the performance and emotional allure of anything from Ferrari." Accordingly, the DB9's acceleration "comes on instantly, because every ounce of the V-12's 420 ft lbs of torque is there for the asking."

Robb Report editors were equally impressed by the DB9's opulent interior. "Attention to detail is evident throughout the cabin, which is unquestionably the best in its class, maybe among all classes," Mr. Dean explains.

"We are delighted to receive this very important accolade for the DB9, a car that reflects the new direction that Aston Martin is now taking," said Aston Martin CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez. "North America has always been a very important market for us, and to achieve this recognition for our new car from Robb Report is a very important moment for us."

Selection of the DB9 resulted from months of testing by a panel of experts that included Messrs. Ross and Dean, Senior Vice President and Editorial Director Brett Anderson, and Associate Editors Christian Gulliksen and Fluto Shinzawa.

Listed alphabetically, other finalists in Robb Report's 2005 Car of the Year included the Acura RL, Bentley Arnage T, BMW 760i, Cadillac CTS-V, Chrysler 300C, Chevrolet Corvette, Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster, Land Rover LR3, Lotus Elise, Maserati Quattroporte, Mercedes-Benz SL65 and Porsche 911 Carrera S.

Scheduled to hit newsstands on January 25, Robb Report's February issue provides discriminating automotive enthusiasts with an in-depth exploration of a wide array of new models and emerging technologies. Coverage also includes after-market products for the finest class of luxury cars and the most sought-after and elegant vintage vehicles.

Now in its 29th year, Robb Report is the international authority on luxury lifestyle. Each month, the magazine reports on the issues and trends affecting the affluent reader, with coverage of exclusive events and features on exceptional automobiles, motorcycles, art, jewelry, watches, fashion, travel, homes, wines, spirits, and cigars. Additional information can be accessed through the magazine's Web site, www.robbreport.com.