Hot Aston DB9 breaks cover

Our spies captured this red-hot evolution of the new DB9 which will hit our roads later this year.

Inspired by the racing DBRS9, the newcomer follows the stripped-out N24 Vantage, which we were also the first to show you - in Issue 887.

Caught testing on the punishing Nürburgring race circuit in Germany, the car's bodykit has clearly been inspired by the track car, yet the GT remains fully road legal. At the front, there's a more aggressive bumper, while a new ground-hugging aerodynamic diffuser helps to improve the model's high-speed stability.

The car is powered by the standard Aston model's 450bhp 6.0-litre V12 powerplant, linked to the six-speed manual transmission from the DB9 GT. The performance improvements are achieved by changes to the aerodynamics and suspension.

Lightweight door and boot panels are also expected to be used, helping to shave vital tenths of a second off the standard version's 0-60mph sprint time of five seconds. At an impressive 186mph, the newcomer's top speed will remain the same as that of the car on which it's based. Inside, the cabin is tipped to get a makeover in order to make the best of the revised, more driver-focused chassis.

As well as having plenty of say in the exact specification of their model, buyers will also be able to opt for suede-trimmed bucket seats, along with a new, race-style steering wheel and minimalist dashboard.

Those interested in taking their cars to the track will be able to get a roll cage fitted in the rear of the cabin. Prices for the hot new Aston variant have yet to be announced.