Control

The transmission is rear mid-mounted forward of the rear axle line, improving weight distribution still further. The transmission is connected to the engine by a rigid, cast aluminium torque tube, housing the immensely strong and light carbon-fibre propeller shaft. A fast-shifting, six-speed manual gearbox is standard, its ratios perfectly matched to the performance of the V8 engine.

Aston Martin’s acclaimed electro-hydraulic Sportshift transmission is available as an option. Offering precision gearshifts in around 200 milliseconds, the paddle-operated gearbox brings the sporting driver even closer to the car. When the paddles are not in use, Sportshift includes a user-selected ‘Auto Drive’ mode that will automatically select the right gear for the conditions. A ‘comfort’ setting allows for more relaxed changes.