All told, this equated to peak output figures of 520bhp at 7000rpm and 425lb-ft at 5800rpm.

For comparison, the outgoing Vanquish pumped out 460bhp at 6800rpm and 400lb-ft at 5500rpm.

A new final drive ratio (raised from 3.69:1 to 4.3:1) meant acceleration times were unchanged but top speed got a useful boost.

Otherwise, the Vanquish S motor was more or less unchanged.

The result of a collaboration with parent company Ford and Cosworth Engineering in Northampton (who also handled assembly), the Vanquish power unit was a normally aspirated all-alloy 60° V12 with dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and wet-sump lubrication.

Displacement was 5935cc thanks to a bore and stroke of 89mm and 79.5mm respectively.

Compared to the DB7 V12 Vantage, the Vanquish motor came in what Aston Martin dubbed Stage 2 tune. Lighter, stronger and more powerful than the DB7 unit, it featured repositioned inlet manifolds to achieve an even air flow into the engine and balanced breathing between all cylinders. The exhaust catalysts were close-coupled to the engine for more rapid heat up when starting from cold.

The camshafts, valve gear and crankshaft were also uprated over the DB7; a considerable weight reduction was achieved thanks to the 6kg lighter forged crankshaft, the 4kg lighter centrally mounted cast aluminium inlet manifolds and 5.5kg lighter hollow forged camshafts.