Special edition Aston Martin DB9 GT gets extra power

A wave of new models including an all-new DBX crossover is on the horizon for Aston Martin – and their arrival will see one of the brand’s most fabled cars put out to pasture. The 12-year-old DB9 will be replaced next year with the 'DB11', so to see the V12 sports car off with a bang the firm has introduced the £140,000 DB9 GT.

Billed as the 'ultimate' DB9, it also becomes the most powerful version of the coupe ever built, producing 541bhp and 620Nm of torque from its naturally aspirated 6.0-litre V12 engine. That's 30bhp more than the standard 2015 DB9, which when combined with the unchanged six-speed automatic helps shift the car from 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds (a one-tenth improvement) and on to a 183mph top speed, which is identical to the standard DB9.

9

To compliment the power hike, Aston has also given the DB9 GT a light cosmetic refresh. A black front splitter and rear diffuser, reshaped headlights and tail-lamps along with a new 20-inch alloy wheel design mark out the GT. Black anodised brake calipers and an engraved fuel-filler cap make up the finer details.

For those who are wanting that little bit extra, the manufacturer offers the option of a carbon fibre finish for the tail-lamp inserts, side strikes, front splitter and rear diffuser. Inside, the 2+2 cabin benefits from a number of luxury upgrades including ‘fluted’ leather seats with embroidered GT logos, an Alcantara steering wheel and updated AMi II touchscreen infotainment system, which is now able to read and display text message for the first time.

9

All GTs can be made extra special thanks to a range of options including twin-tone leather seats, different centre console finishes and a steering wheel inspired by the one in the One-77 hypercar. The DB9 GT commands a £5,000 premium over the standard model, and is available to order now for September delivery. Visitors to the 2015 Goodwood Festival of Speed will also be able to sample the new DB9 GT.

Alongside the DB9 GT, Aston has also announced updates to the V8 and V12 Vantage and Rapide S ranges for 2016. The two models get a variety of colour, trim, centre console and equipment upgrades, and will go on sale in the latter part of this year.