It's not just for secret agents

Pop open its flush door handles and the aroma of leather greets you as you climb behind the wheel. Look around. The center console gracefully flows out to meet you. The materials are impeccable, superior to those used in many European cars. There's warmth that welcomes you.

Slot the etched-glass fob into the center of the instrument panel and press; a symphony awakens your senses as the 470-horsepower, 6.0-liter V12 comes to life with the bark of a race car.

But that's not all that's coming alive.

A pair of Bang & Olufsen "acoustic lenses" rises from corners of the dashboard, ready to augment the engine's silky sound with music of your choice. While I am not sure what an acoustic lens does, I know the sound that emanates from them is sparkling.

If, as they say, clothes make the man (or woman), then so does the car. It's impossible not to feel cool and confident behind the wheel, not to mention shaken and stirred.

Put the six-speed transmission in gear, and the car rewards you.

How could it not?

For decades, 12 cylinders under the bonnet has been the sign of a true luxury car. Packard did it; Ferrari followed Packard's lead. Jaguars were famous for them.

Of course, this Aston has 12 cylinders. There's enough power to make passengers scream with delight -- or fear. Certainly, they'll wish they had used the bathroom before going for a spin. Zero to 60 mph? Less than 5 seconds.

That said, the DB-9 is a grand touring car, so while it has incredible velocity and tremendous grip for negotiating twisting roads, this is not a pure sports car. There's too much weight for that, despite the car's extensive use of aluminum and lightweight materials in key components.

And yes, the back seats are perfect for purses and briefcases. Don't think of using them for people. The trunk is rather small; but hey, this is a GT, not a minivan. Pack lightly.

And while I am feeling grumpy, let's just say that specter of incompetently engineered British electrical components lingered when the test car -- truly a lovely thing to admire or drive -- flashed its check-emissions-system light despite the vehicle's low mileage, less that 500 miles on the clock. The car didn't seem affected, even if I was.

But like a significant other who doesn't hold the true power in a relationship, I had fallen under this car's spell and found it all too easy to forgive and forget.

No matter how long it was in my garage, it was hard not to drool on it or over it.

And while 007 was never seen drooling over his Aston, James Bond isn't real.

The car is.

Aston Martin DB-9

What we say: Excuse me, I was drooling

Pro: So fast, so cool, so pretty

Con: A Jaguar XKR does the same thing for half the price Engine: 6-liter V12

Wheelbase: 108 inches

Length: 185.5 inches

Weight: 3,968 pounds

Cargo space: 7 cubic feet

EPA rating (city/highway): 13/20 mpg Fuel economy: 14 mpg

Fuel type: Premium unleaded

Base price: $198,870

As tested: $215,095

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