Whether powered by V12 or V8, the DB11 is a beautifully-resolved design. The latest generation of DB Aston Martins has a low, lean profile that flows uninterrupted from nose to tail. Ahead of the clamshell bonnet is the distinctive Aston Martin grille, but the keen-eyed will notice that while the V12 model has four bonnet vents, the V8 model has two; these feature titanium mesh. The headlamp bezel is another tell-tale difference; the surround is dark for the V8 model but bright aluminium for the V12.

10-spoke silver alloy wheels are standard on the DB11 V8, but as with every Aston Martin there’s enormous scope for choice in everything from wheels and brake callipers to interior trim. All DB11 models now carry a new Aston Martin ‘script’ badge below the wings on the tail of the car.

For the 18.5 Model Year Aston Martin has introduced a new range of interior trim inlays, a consolidated interior ‘jewellery’ pack, four different seat upholstery options and a range of designer-recommended colour combinations. These choices are available across the DB11 range, whatever your chosen engine.

The new twin-turbocharged 3982cc V8 delivers exhilarating performance, with 0-62mph coming up in just 4.0 seconds, a mere 0.1s behind its V12 stablemate. It’s the first turbocharged V8 ever offered by Aston Martin and develops 503bhp and 675NM of torque, compared with the 600bhp, 700Nm V12. The V8 reaches peak torque at around 2000rpm and holds it right the way through to 5000+rpm, giving it punchy, instant acceleration across a broad spread of engine speeds. It is also a lighter power unit, making the DB11 V8 the lightest DB model at just 1760kg.

Aston Martin’s engineers have designed new engine mounts and a slim wet sump that enables them to mount the V8 low in the engine bay for a lower centre of gravity; they’ve also developed a bespoke exhaust that gives full rein to the crisp bark of the V8. On-road pricing of the V8 starts at a lower point than the DB11 V12 but this is no entry model; the response, exhaust note and agility of the DB11 V8 give it an eager, light-on-its-feet character all its own.