Performance is enormous, yet usable. Top speed is 300 km/h (186 mph) and acceleration sees 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.9 seconds (add two tenths of a second for the automatic). These figures are impressive and DB9 will respond with real passion.

With 80 per cent of the V12 engine's torque, or pulling power, available from as little as 1500 rpm the DB9 can also relax. Mid-range performance is astonishing, giving instant overtaking power almost regardless of engine speed, or even which gear the car is in.

DB9 offers a choice of two transmissions, both allowing the driver terrific interaction with the car. The six-speed 'Touchtronic 2' fully automatic transmission uses shift-by-wire technology, and replaces the conventional gear lever with dashboard-mounted buttons to select Park, Reverse, Neutral and Drive modes.

The result is sophisticated yet intuitive: quick and easy to use and providing instant response to driver input. If preferred, or where driving conditions tempt, magnesium alloy paddles, sited behind the steering wheel, enable instant, F1-style gear changes, providing the choice of rapid and involving fingertip gear changing.

Unlike many other sports GTs, DB9 also offers a six-speed manual gearbox, featuring a conventional gear change and new high-capacity, twin-plate clutch.