2003 Aston Martin DB7

The Aston Martin DB7 was produced from September of 1994 to December of 2004. This grand tourer was available either as a convertible or a coupe. Aston Martin used the Geneva Motor Show in March of 1993 to showcase the prototype which had been completed by November of 1992. It wore a design by Ian Callum and Keith Helfet and was powered by a six-cylinder engine which was based on the Jaguar AJ6 engine. In the Aston Martin hierarchy, the DB7 was the entry-level model and positioned below the V8 Virage. It became the company's highest produced model, with over 7,000 examples built before it was replaced in 2004 by the DB9.

The DB7 rested on a platform evolved from the Jaguar XJS. Tom Walkinshaw of TWR had driven the Jaguar XJS in the European Touring Car Championship in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Impressed by its performance and potential, he envisioned a re-bodied and modern example. After Peter Stevens was unable to provide his talents for a re-design, Walkinshaw approached Ian Callum. Known internally as the XX project, the DB7 would use many of Jaguar resources and parts and had financial backing from the Ford Motor Company, owner of Aston Martin from 1988 to 2007.

Jaguar had been working on a replacement for the aging XJS, codenamed the XJ41/42. The 41 referenced the coupe while the 42 was for the convertible. After Ford acquired Aston Martin and Jaguar, the XJ41/42 project was cancelled in 1990 due to its high cost and its weight, which was heavier than the XJS. Walkinshaw based his design concept on the XJ41 and Callum built a modern body around the XJ41. The design was shown to Jaguar's management, but they were busy working on the XJ220, so they rejected it.

Instead, the project was picked-up by Aston Martin. Further design modifications followed to align its appurtenance with other Aston Martin products. Many of the mechanical components were sourced from the parts bins from other marques owned by Ford. The chrome door handles were from the Mazda 323 Estate, the interior door mirror switches were from the Ford Scorpio, the tail lights were from the Mazda 323F, and the turn signals were from the Mazda MX-5.

After a positive reception at the 1993 Geneva Motor Show, the DB7 was put into production. The DB7 was engineered in Kidlington, Oxfordshire, by TWR on behalf of Aston Martin. The engines were built in Kidlington.

The convertible version, known as the Volante, was introduced at in 1996 at the Detroit Auto Show (North American International Auto Show). Both the coupe and convertible were powered by a supercharged straight-six cylinder engine offering 335 horsepower and 360 ft-lbs of torque. The Coupes sold for $140,000 in the US, and the Volante for $150,000.

In March of 1999, at the Geneva Motor Show, Aston Martin introduced the DB7 Vantage powered by a state-of-the-art, all-alloy V12 engine - a 'first' for a production Aston Martin. The 48-valve, 6-liter, quad-cam unit offered 420 horsepower and 400 lb/ft of torque. It met all current and projected emissions regulations. There was a choice of two alternative transmissions: a new six-speed manual or ZF Touchtronic five-speed automatic with manually selectable ratios.

The prior six-cylinder DB7 bodyshell was re-engineered to house the new V12 engine and transmission, resulting in a stiffer structure exceeding all contemporary crash test requirements. There were new 18-inch diameter wheels, cross-drilled and ventilated Brembo brakes equipped with ABS, and a re-tuned suspension setup. The hand crafted interior featured traditional Connolly hide upholstery and could be trimmed and equipped to individual customer requirements.

The V12 GT and GTA version was introduced in 2002. The 'A' was in reference to the automatic transmission (The GT had a manual transmission) and both the GT and GTA were essentially an improved version of the Vantage. The V12 engine in the GT was tuned to produce 435 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. The GTA produced 420 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, the standard output of the DB7 Vantage. The suspension in both the GT and GTA was improved and larger Brembo disc brakes were installed. Visual modifications included a mesh front grille, vents in the hood, aluminum gear lever, new wheels, a trunk spoiler, and optional carbon fiber interior trim.

190 examples of the GT were built for the worldwide market, and 112 of the GTAs. 64 GTs and 17 GTAs were sent to the United States market.

by Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2019