Aston Martin DB7 GT

The most successful of these is the DB7. Entering its 10th year of production, the original six-cylinder supercharged model has been continually enhanced and improved, first into the vastly superior V12-engined DB7 Vantage and now into the DB7 GT. Rather than just a bit of subtle cosmetic tweaking, the newcomer has been subjected to a highly detailed development programme aimed at increasing the level of performance and driver involvement.

At the GT's heart is a mighty 6.0-litre V12 producing 435bhp and 555Nm of torque, compared to the standard DB7 Vantage V12's 420bhp and 543Nm. A short-throw gearshift has improved the quality of the six-speed box's change, while a lowered final drive ratio has improved the car's in-gear acceleration by up to 35 per cent. For the slightly less committed, there's also a five-speed Touchtronic automatic version of the new Aston, called the GTA.

Unsurprisingly, performance is stunning, with a top speed of 185mph and a 0-60mph sprint time of less than five seconds. To cope with this, the brakes have been uprated to a set of huge Brembo discs front and rear, while the suspension now has revised dampers and a host of detail changes.

Externally, the GT is marked out by a set of new light alloy five-spoke wheels, a wire mesh grille, distinctive bonnet vents and a subtly upswept bootlid which, along with an aerodynamic undertray, reduces high-speed lift by nearly 50 per cent.

A thoroughbred in every respect, this latest DB7 provides an exhilarating experience. The V12 is a magnificent engine, perfectly complementing the Aston's sharper chassis. And the improvements to the handling and roadholding haven't come at the expense of ride quality, as the GT remains supple and refined, while the swooping bodywork is timelessly beautiful.