The Car Aficionado

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There is nothing more tortured than a James Bond analogy used in the service of glorifying an Aston Martin. And nothing more bloody apt. So let's fire up the family-jewel threatening laser and have at it: 

The most impressive feature of the Aston Martin DBS is its dual nature; you can driven it like a hero and the villain. Automatic set on Drive, the car slithers around with unflappable decorum, like a tuxedoed Mr. Bond charming his way through a singles bar. But flick the paddle shifters and the machine instantly becomes -- as M once called 007 -- a "blunt instrument" capable of silencing bystanders with an exhaust that's just as raucous as any noise that emanates from a Ferrari. 

Meanwhile, the DBS puts deviant smiles on its fortunate driver, which it should, considering he spent three hundred thousand dollars on this scalloped wedge of aluminum, carbon fiber and leather. A brick of a car in coupe form, the convertible Volante version offers nearly as much athleticism thanks to extensive chassis bracing. 

Step inside, and the DBS whispers "You Have Arrived." Or perhaps that's the Bang & Olufsen sound system. Where most factory-equipped car stereos are...