Aston Martin announces 600bhp Vanquish S

Aston Martin has unveiled a more powerful version of its Vanquish, expected to arrive in the UK in December, at the Los Angeles motor show.

The Vanquish S retains the original 5.9-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine, with power increased from 568bhp to 592bhp, launching the car from 0-62mph in just 3.5 seconds and on to a claimed top-speed of 201mph.

The Vanquish S features an updated version of Aston Martin's eight-speed automatic gearbox, which reduces the time between gearshifts and is smoother at lower speeds. While the previous version of the gearbox was one of the Vanquish's stronger suits, it was still behind some of its core rivals, with Evo saying it was "a world away from the F12 and Aventator".

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Aston Martin has re-tuned the suspension setup for more direct handling in the Vanquish's sport mode without compromising ride comfort. There are also numerous styling tweaks to the exterior, matching the Vantage GT12 with a new front splitter and rear diffuser, as well as a quad exhaust layout similar to that on the Vanquish Zagato.

Little has changed on the inside, with new Vanquish S embroidered leather seats coming as standard. A substantial options list includes a set of Vanquish S graphics and a new satin chopped carbon fibre facia.

The Vanquish S will go on sale at £199,950 and be available in both coupe and Volante form, with deliveries expected in December 2016.