Cardi Concept 442 gives slick new look to Aston Martin DB9
This redesign of the aging British supercar is the work of Russian coachbuilder Cardi
The Aston Martin DB9 may be nearing the end of its life with the new DB11 waiting in the wings, but that hasn’t stopped coachbuilder Cardi from building a bespoke concept on the underpinnings of the Gaydon-built grand tourer. Known as the Cardi Concept 442, it adds a completely new body to the DB9.
British cars have long been an attractive option for coachbuilders – Kahn Design, for example, is particularly well known for its Land Rover–based vehicles but also recently treated us to its own DB9-based machine, the Vengeance. Cardi is a Moscow-based coachbuilder better known for restyling Russian cars, but now it’s turned its attention to the DB9, with eye-opening results.
The Cardi Concept 442 is a comprehensive restyling of the DB9, with a longer, sleeker shape which tapers at either end. Wide grilles at the front and back are striking, albeit divisive, while the massive alloys have a turbine design.
Cardi’s engineers are working on the underpinnings of the DB9 and hope to remove the B-pillar completely – this will allow a panoramic roof and massive windows either side. Underneath the skin, the Concept 442 will keep the DB9’s powertrain – which means a naturally aspirated 6.0-litre V12 and six-speed automatic transmission.
Inside, the Cardi Concept 442 has received a full makeover as well, with the wide swathe of wood across the dash giving the cabin a nautical feel. This is aided by the slim steering wheel and sleek design - analogue dials have been replaced by a digital screen, while even the climate control system relegated to three slim strips on the lower part of the dash. The infotainment screen is low-mounted and controlled by a BMW iDrive-style wheel, while an analogue clock sits in the centre of the whole thing.
The images of the Concept 442 were released in a special brochure commemorating Cardi’s 25th anniversary. It’s not yet known if Cardi plans to commercialise the Concept 442, but we can think of a few DB9 owners who would undergo the transformation just to stand out more.
Would you add a coachbuilt body to your car? Let us know in the comments below...
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