The new car replaces the outgoing V12 Vantage and besides the One-77 hypercar - arrives as the fastest road going Aston Martin yet. The V12 Vantage S is powered by a new 565bhp and 620Nm capable AM28 6.0-litre V12 engine, featuring latest generation Bosch engine management that propels the car to 100km/h in just 3.7 seconds before reaching a top speed of 330km/h. A whole new exhaust system - derived from the One-77 hypercar - is lighter, smaller and even more sonorous than its predecessor.

Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer Dr Ulrich Bez said, "The new V12 Vantage S is, simply, pure Aston Martin. It is extreme in its nature yet truly timeless in its design language. Learning from our successes on the track feeds the development of this type of car and I'm proud to launch such an exciting sports car in this, our centenary year."

Race car technology such as CNC machined combustion chambers and hollow cam shafts are evident on the V12 Vantage S. Another clear example is the new Sportshift III AMT (automated manual transmission) gearbox. The new gearbox is a major development of the automated manual gearbox that appears in the current V8 Vantage S.

Designed and engineered to exploit the full sporting potential of the V12 engine, the new Sportshift III hydraulically actuated automated manual transmission provides motorsport style paddle shift changes for optimum performance delivery and efficiency. The unit is also 24.9kg lighter than the outgoing six-speed manual gearbox.

The debut of three-stage adaptive damping allows the driver to more precisely tailor the car's dynamic character. 'Normal', 'Sport' and 'Track' modes provide a broad swath of dynamic performance that can be tuned to better suit the driver's requirements. The system also governs the level of power steering assistance offered.

Created to maximise airflow to the V12 engine, the new grille is reminiscent of the recently introduced new CC100 Speedster Concept and signals a new era of Aston Martin design language.

Other clues that point out the Vantage S model include the debut of new lightweight forged alloy ten-spoke wheels, and a subtle yet distinctive exterior graphics pack that includes black painted roof and partially painted boot panel.

The new V12 Vantage S retains the same compact proportions at 4,358mm length, 2,022mm width and 1,250mm height with a 2,600mm wheelbase - while features such as the pronounced bonnet vents and flared wheel arches underscore its sporting abilities.

Inside, new-style Sport seating, revised stitching and welt detailing, two leather grade options - Luxmill and semi-aniline - plus the possibility to include Alcantara, presents V12 Vantage S buyers with an exciting array of trim choices.

The optional Carbon Fibre Interior Pack, which adds the material to the car's fascia and door pulls, plus the availability of black pedals for the first time in the V12, further enhance personalisation options for those in search of a truly bespoke sports car.