With the arrival of 15 Model Year (15MY) cars in markets around the world over the next few months, Aston Martin is offering enhanced performance and improved fuel economy and emissions, in addition to an even more honed, precise and responsive driving experience.

The automaker has also announced the debut of the new Touchtronic III eight-speed automatic gearbox in both the Vanquish and the Rapide S - the first time this transmission unit has been incorporated into a transaxle layout.

The century sprint times for both the Vanquish and Rapide S are reduced: the Vanquish sprints to century in 3.8 seconds and the Rapide S is capable of the same sprint in only 4.4 seconds.

A reduction in exhaust gas back pressure as a result of ratio adjustment and other changes also benefits peak power, which rises by up to 3bhp to a peak of 568bhp in the Vanquish, and by 2bhp, to 552bhp in the Rapide S. Peak torque is up to 630Nm at 5,500rpm in all the cars.

The new eight-speed gearbox is not only three percent lighter than its predecessor, it is also packaged more efficiently occupying precisely the same space within the car. Touchtronic III delivers exceptional shift speed and moves between ratios as quick as 130 milliseconds while better gearbox efficiency allows more power and torque to be transmitted to the road more of the time.

There are also subtle styling enhancements, that add extra visual appeal for 15MY Vanquish and Rapide S.

Outside there's the arrival of new ten-spoke forged alloy wheel designs, available in a variety of finishes, that not only enhance the cars' appearance but save almost 7kg in weight versus the standard wheel.

There are also new paint colour options including, for the first time on Vanquish and Rapide S, the availability of the special paint colour Diavalo Red, previously limited to the V12 Zagato. 

Inside, the cars get new leather trim colour options including the contemporary blue-black Dark Knight, and bold Fandango Pink. Rapide S also gains the option of a new Duotone leather seat finish in Sahara Tan and Vibrant Red, as well as a range of new headlining options that mix quilting with the finest leathers or Alcantara.