Though based on the smooth, swift DB11 V12, it’s clear from its aggressive exterior design that the DBS Superleggera has been honed for even greater performance. Most dramatic design evolution is the larger front grille, flanked by a pair of inlets designed to improve airflow over the brakes and around the front wheels. New taillights and a new, fixed rear spoiler replace those of the DB11, while the quad exhausts exit via an F1-inspired double diffuser. The bonnet, deck lid, splitter and diffuser are in carbon fibre, which helps to explain the weight reduction. Meanwhile the deeper side strakes and open stirrup behind the front wheel draw more air out of the engine bay and front wheel arches, keeping the car stable at high speeds. The striking black Y-spoke alloy wheels are 21″ in diameter, ride height is 5mm lower than that of the DB11 and in tribute to the Superleggera (Italian for superlight) name it’s also 72kg lighter. Downforce is claimed to amount to 180kg at VMax.

Cockpit architecture is based around that of the DB11, with a console that smoothly sweeps back from dashboard through to the rear seats. The DBS Superleggera’s interior is trimmed in leather and Alcantara, and features Sports Plus performance seats, steering wheel and binnacle. As with the DB11 the instrument cluster is a full-colour 12″ TFT display with an additional, central 8″ screen for infotainment.

For the new DBS Superleggera, Aston Martin have created their most powerful version of the 5.2-litre turbocharged V12 yet. It develops a mighty 715bhp and 900Nm, sending power through the rear wheels via an eight speed ZF box that has been specially adapted to handle the extra torque. 0-62mph takes 3.4 seconds. Top speed? 211. This is a seriously fast Aston Martin.

It also sounds like one. Each of the driving modes – GT, Sport and Sport Plus – turns the volume of crisp, rich exhaust sound up a notch. But you can still be kind to your neighbours with a ‘quiet start’ mode for early mornings.

The chassis specification includes stiffer suspension and anti-roll bars than those of the DB11. A limited slip diff comes as standard along with carbon ceramic brakes.

Marek Reichman, design boss at Aston, believes Aston Martin’s new V12 flagship is aptly-named. ‘When you hear the name DBS Superleggera, you know what it is. It’s the definitive Aston Martin super GT,’ he said.