The Vantage (the project name) is a very compact car and is aimed directly at the Porsche 911 market. It's a strict two-seater and under the skin is what's known as a 'front mid-engine' layout. This ensures that the engine is pushed well back in the chassis, so it sits behind the front wheels.

Some sources say that the Vantage has its gearbox integrated with the back axle, further improving what would already be a near-ideal front-to-rear weight balance. Its relationship with the larger DB9 can be seen in the big wheels and very wide rear track, which gives the rear wings a distinctive (and quite 911-ish) shape. A big effort has been with the interior, which is said to be more upmarket and more unique to Aston than is the case with the Vanquish, which uses chunks of Ford Group switchgear.

Under the bonnet is a V8 engine thought to be related to the Jaguar unit used in the XK8. The engine is expected to have Aston's own design of head and intake and it will be made at Aston's new engine facility in Cologne. It's thought that the engine will be good for around 325bhp and performance should be strong thanks to the relatively light chassis. A six-speed manual gearbox will be standard and a Tiptronic-style auto optional. We'd expect the Vantage to cost around ΂£70,000 in today's money.