Aston Martin DB7

Overview

The Aston Martin DB7 is a grand tourer that was produced by the British luxury car manufacturer Aston Martin from 1994 to 2004. It is one of the most significant models in the company's history, both for its sales success and for marking Aston Martin's revival in the 1990s. The DB7 is often credited with saving Aston Martin from bankruptcy, thanks to its appeal and the volume of sales it generated.

The DB7 was designed by Ian Callum, who would later become known for his work with Jaguar. The car's design was a departure from the more angular lines of its predecessors, featuring smooth, flowing curves that were contemporary and well-received by both critics and the public. Initially developed under the code name "NPX," the DB7 project was a result of the collaboration between Ford Motor Company, which owned Aston Martin at the time, and Jaguar. The DB7 was built on a modified Jaguar XJS platform and shared some components with Jaguar, helping to reduce development costs and time.

The DB7 was initially launched with a supercharged 3.2-liter inline-six engine, producing around 335 horsepower. It was available in both coupe and convertible (Volante) forms. The DB7's performance varied by model. The original inline-six models could accelerate from 0-60 mph in about 5.7 seconds. The top speed ranged from about 165 mph for the inline-six to over 180 mph for the V12 versions.

In 1999, the DB7 was significantly updated and renamed the DB7 Vantage. This version featured a new 5.9-liter V12 engine, producing 420 horsepower, which offered significantly improved performance over the inline-six, good for a sprint from 0 - 60 mph in 5 seconds flat. The Vantage was also available as both a coupe and Volante.

Throughout its production, several special editions and limited-run models were introduced, including the DB7 Zagato and the DB7 GT and GTA, which featured various enhancements to performance, aesthetics, and exclusivity.

The DB7 is hailed for its beauty, performance, and the role it played in revitalizing Aston Martin as a brand during the 1990s. It was the highest-production model in Aston Martin's history at the time, with more than 7,000 units built. Its success paved the way for future models like the DB9 and the V8 Vantage, establishing a design and engineering language that would influence the brand for years to come.

The DB7's blend of elegant design, luxurious appointments, and powerful performance helped reestablish Aston Martin as a premier luxury sports car manufacturer, making it a pivotal model in the company's storied history.