Review: Aston Martin DB7 (1995-03)

Review: Aston Martin Mk.I DB7 (1995-99)

Overview

Released in October 1995, the Aston Martin Mk.I DB7 was available as a coupe or convertible (‘Volante’) with two-plus-two seating. Manufactured in Bloxham, England, the rear-wheel drive Mk.I DB7 was powered by a 3.2-litre supercharged inline six-cylinder engine that was mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.

Engine

The 3.2-litre inline six cylinder engine had a water-cooled Eaton roots-type supercharger (drive by a toothed belt from the camshaft), double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, Zytec engine management and a compression ratio of 8.3:1. With the five-speed manual transmission, the DB7 could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 5.8 seconds and had a top speed of 266 km/h.

Dimensions and suspension

The DB7 coupe was 4646 mm long, 1830 mm wide, 1238 mm tall and had a 2591 mm long wheelbase; kerb weight was 1725 kg. Furthermore, the DB7 had independent, double wishbone suspension front and rear.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the DB7 was limited to ABS.

Brakes

The DB7 had 284 mm ventilated front discs with four-piston calipers and 295 mm solid rear discs with sliding calipers.

Features

Standard features for the DB7 included 17-inch alloy wheels (18-inch wheels for the Coupe), a six speaker stereo with a radio and cassette player, climate control air conditioning, power adjustable front seats, leather upholstery, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, central locking, power mirrors and windows, an alarm and immobiliser.

As standard, the DB7 was also fitted with a limited-slip rear differential.

Brochure

• Brochure: Aston Martin V8, V8 Vantage and DB7 (1995)

Review: Aston Martin Mk.II DB7 (1999-03)

Overview

Released in November 1999, the Mk.II DB7 adopted the Vantage name and introduced new powertrains consisting of 5.9-litre (5935cc) V12 petrol engines mated to either five-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmissions. From 2000, the DB7 Vantage was available with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Mk.II DB7 consisted of dual front airbags, ABS and traction control.

Brakes

The Mk.II DB7 had 355 mm ventilated and cross-drilled front discs and 330 mm ventilated rear discs, both fitted with four-piston calipers.

Features

Standard features for the Vantage included 18-inch alloy wheels with 245/40 front and 265/35 ZR18 rear Bridgestone tyres, six speaker sound system with a six-disc CD changer, air conditioning, power adjustable and heated front seats, leather upholstery, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, an alarm and immobiliser.

DB7 GT and GTA

Compared to the DB7 Vantage, the DB7 GT and GTA were fitted with a more powerful engine and aerodynamic enhancements such as additional sweeps for the undertray, wheel arch liner extensions and a revised bootlid which reduced lift by almost 50 per cent. The GT and GTA could also be identified by their five-spoke alloy wheels, mesh grilles and twin bonnet vents. Safety equipment and features, however, were substantially the same as the Vantage.

Brochures

• Brochure: Aston Martin DB7 Vantage (June 2002)
• Brochure: Aston Martin DB7 GT and GTA (December 2002)

Related links

• Guide: Aston Martin DB7, V12 Vanquish and DB9 (February 2004)
• Wikipedia.org: Aston Martin DB7