Front

Rear

Honestly, things move so fast. I completely forgot to mention that the DB9 GT Bond Edition was released on 2 September with 150 being made.

The 6.0-litre V12-engined grand tourer features special Spectre Silver paint; sterling silver Aston Martin badges front and rear; and discreet ‘007 Bond Edition’ exterior badging.

These features build on the styling of the DB9 GT which includes 10-spoke gloss black diamond turned 20in alloy wheels; bright aluminium bonnet vents, side strakes and grille; carbon fibre front splitter and rear diffuser, and grey brake calipers.

Inside, the DB9 GT Bond Edition continues its subtle homage to James Bond with unique numbered sill plaques featuring the familiar 007 logo; gun barrel embroidery on the 2+2’s rear seat divider and a special Bond Edition start-up screen on the new model’s AMi II touch-sensitive Aston Martin infotainment system.

These embellishments add to the car’s already luxurious interior environment which includes unique fluted leather; an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel and a satin carbon fibre centre console surround.

The DB9 GT Bond Edition’s 6.0-litre V12 engine is capable of generating 547 PS at 6750 rpm, and 620 Nm of torque at 5500 rpm.

The all-alloy, quad overhead camshaft, 48-valve 5,935 cc front mid-mounted V12 is mated to the proven rear mid-mounted Touchtronic II six-speed transmission with electronic shift-by-wire control system. It carries the car from rest to 62 mph in 4.5 seconds, and on to a top speed of 183 mph, no doubt with Her Majesty’s constabulary trying to keep up.

There’s an all-round independent double wishbone suspension while the three-stage Adaptive Damping System (ADS) offers distinct Normal, Sport and Track modes for the broadest possible breadth of dynamic characteristics.

I won’t witter on about the accessories. You need to get inside one and experience it. The new DB9 GT Bond Edition costs £165,000.

Sill plaque

Stitch detail

Luggage… obviously