>>Aston Martin DBRS9

Aston Martin DBRS9

Aston Martin DBRS9

An Aston Martin DBRS9 at the 2006 Speed World Challenge GT series
Category	FIA GT3
Constructor	Aston Martin Lagonda LTD
Technical specifications
Chassis	Bonded aluminium chassis, with Carbon fibre panels
Suspension (front)	Double wishbone with adjustable Koni dampers
Suspension (rear)	Double wishbone with adjustable Koni dampers
Length	4,687 mm (184.5 in)
Width	1,979 mm (77.9 in)
Height	1,195 mm (47.0 in)
Axle track	1,635 mm (64.4 in)
Wheelbase	2,741 mm (107.9 in)
Engine	Aston Martin 5935 cc, all aluminium, DOHC, 48 valve, 89 x 79.5 mm (bore xstroke), V12, naturally aspirated FMR, 550 bhp, 620 Nm
Transmission	6-speed sequential manual/manual
Weight	1,280 kg (2,800 lb)
Competition history

The Aston Martin DBRS9 is a racing car built by Aston Martin Racing to be a cheaper alternative to the Aston Martin DBR9, both of which are based on the Aston Martin DB9. The DBRS9 was introduced in 2005 and has since been replaced with the Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3.

Development

An Aston Martin DBRS9

The DBRS9 features several modifications to the standard DB9. With developments including a full race specification roll-cage and a tuned version of the 5.9L V12 engine to bring output up to 550 bhp (410 kW; 558 PS). Other modifications include carbon fiber body panels (exc roof), polycarbonate side and rear windows and a stripped out interior in order to drop weight by 480 kg (1,100 lb). With these enhancements bringing the DBRS9's power output up to 430 bhp/tonne.

The car also features uprated suspension with a lowered ride height and stiffened racing springs. The DBRS9 has also been fitted with a close-ratio racing gearbox in either 6-speed fully manual or an upgraded sequential manual form.

The DBRS9 is open to customers through Aston Martin Racing and Prodrive at a price of approximately £175,000 without optional extras and taxes. The car is a bridge between the highly expensive, fully race specification GT1 Aston Martin DBR9 and the standard DB9 road car.

Racing history

While the DBR9 was designed to be used by large teams participating in international motorsport, specifically in the FIA GT Championship and GT1 class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the DBRS9 was intended to be raced by teams in lower level GT racing, mainly the FIA GT3 class and some national and international GT series such as the British GT Championship.

BMS Scuderia Italia

After Aston Martin Racing and Prodrive unveiled the DBRS9 in late 2005, Barwell Motorsport (GB) and BMS Scuderia Italia (I) started to race the car in the 2006 FIA GT3 European Championship, with BMS Scuderia Italia winning a race at Oschersleben.

BMS also raced one DBRS9 in the 2006 FIA GT Championship Spa 24 Hours race in the GT3 class, but did not finish. BMS continued to race the DBRS9s in FIA GT Championship in late 2006, winning at Hungaroring and Dubai in the GT3 class.

BMS continued with the DBRS9 in the 2007 FIA GT3 Championship, alongside French team Hexis Racing and its associate of Racing for Belgium (BEL). BMS finished second in the Team Championship.

Brixia and Hexis Racing

The DBRS9 of Hexis Racing

For the 2008 FIA GT3 Championship, Brixia Racing (I) took over BMS Scuderia Italia's operation. Hexis Racing continued in the FIA GT3 class with the DBRS9 and finished second in both Driver's and Team Championship.

In the 2009 FIA GT3 Championship, both Brixia Racing and Hexis Racing stayed with the Aston Martin DBRS9, with Hexis racing winning the night race at Adria.

In the 2008 ADAC GT Masters series, Hexis Racing finished a full season with DBRS9s and finished 3rd overall in the Team Championship.

Racing for Belgium and Phoenix Racing

In 2007 Racing for Belgium (BEL) and Phoenix Racing competed with several Aston Martin DBRS9s in the ADAC GT Masters.

At the 2007 24 Hours Nürburgring, the DBRS9 of Team Phoenix led the race in the early stages, but the engine failed on Sunday.

ABCOR and VIP Petfoods

In 2007 Australian GT Championship, ABCOR, Preston General Engineering raced an Aston Martin DBRS9 in selected rounds with different drivers. The team continued with DBRS9 in 2008 Australian GT, with additional entry from Team Aston Martin then VIP Petfoods Racing joining in late season with a DBRS9. VIP Petfoods Racing continued with DBRS9 in 2009 Australian GT with team boss Tony Quinn still driving the car in 2011.

Barwell Motorsport

In the 2009 Belgian GT race, Barwell Motorsport (GB) competed with their DBRS9 with sponsorship from Aston Martin Brussels.

British GT Championship, Barwell Motorsport raced 3 DBRS9 in 2006 (4 rounds) (starting point of Lord Paul Drayson racing with Aston Martin). Barwell Motorsport finished second in Team Championship and took the Driver's Championship with Leo Machitski.

Barwell Motorsport continued with DBRS9 in the 2007 British GT Championship, with Cadena Motorsport (GB) joining later with another DBRS9. Barwell Motorsport took the Team Championship title, with Lord Paul Drayson and Jonathan Cocker finished 2nd in Driver's Championship.

In 2008, 22GTRacing and Cadena Motorsport took over with the British GT DBRS9s but did not have a very successfully season.

In 2009, Barwell Motorsport joined force with Beechdean Motorsport and got back to British GT with a Barwell-Beechdean Aston Martin DBRS9. 22GT Racing continued competing with their DBRS9.