More power than a 911 Turbo: take a closer look at the 656bhp Aston Martin Vantage

Six hundred and fifty-six horsepower is what you’ll find in the new Aston Martin Vantage. But it hasn’t just upped the power and stuck on some new badges. There’s more poke, sure, but miles better tech inside, a sharper edge to the drive and some slicker looks – including that mammoth front that grille that’s needed to provide 50 per cent more cooling than the old car.

A revised agreement with AMG means Aston can sprinkle a little more magic into AMG’s base unit, so under the bonnet we have bigger turbos, more cooling and new cams, upping power and torque to 656bhp and 590lb ft respectively.

There’s a complete suspension overhaul, adaptive damping and stiffer everything, with revised drive modes and a wider spread of abilities. Inside, well, that’s seen a step change. A new Aston touchscreen, a new wheel, and better, cleaner instruments and switchgear.

More than a facelift? Absolutely. How does it drive? We’ll tell you very soon. For now, take a closer look at the new bruiser, stopping first to admire Aston's former heavyweight...