NEW Aston Martin DB9 GT

Looks like the DB9 is heading for retirement, Aston Martin having revealed the new 541bhp GT ahead of the model’s final year of production.

With a wave of new models like the Vulcan and the DBX Crossover, the 12-year production run for one of Aston Martin’s most fabled models looks to be coming to a close. And with its successor – the radically styled DB11 – due to drop next year, Aston is sending its V12 sports car out with a band with what it calls the ‘ultimate DB9’, the $220K(ish) GT. The newboy is set to go on sale in September and will meet the crowds for the first time at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.

With 547PS (540bhp) and 457lb ft of torque being produced by the 6-litre V12, the ‘ultimate GT’ is also the most powerful iteration yet, boasting 30bhp more than the current generation. When combined with a six-speed automatic gearbox, 0-100kph now drops to a tenth to 4.5 seconds, although the 295kph top speed remains unchanged.

With this new power comes a light cosmetic refresh, keynotes from which include black front splitter and rear diffuser, reshaped headlights and new 20in wheels. Finer details include black anodised brake calipers and a stencilled fuel filler cap. Inside, new luxury upgrades include ‘fluted’ leather seats with embroidered GT logos (yep, question mark), an Alcantara steering wheel and an updated infotainment system. Kerb weight stays firm though at 1785kg for the coupe, 1890kg for the open top Volante.

Alongside the new DB9 GT, updates for 2016 have also been confirmed for the V8 and V12 Vantage as well as the Rapide S.