Aston Martin DB11 AMR revealed

New DB11 flagship offers less weight, increased power and greater focus - for a lot more money

You may recall last year's Geneva show where, alongside the Valkyrie, Aston Martin launched its new 'AMR Pro' range of track-focussed, purist machines and announced plans for an 'AMR Line' of road-going performance flagships.

The first AMR Line cars to make it to customers were the 100 V12 and 200 V8 Vantages, sold before the previous model was replaced by the new one. A similarly fettled Rapide is on the way, but today the series has taken its first step into Aston's Second Century, with the announcement of the DB11 AMR.

Power from the DB11's 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 is up by 30hp to 640hp while torque remains unchanged at 516lb ft. An increased top speed of 208mph and an improved 0-62 time of 3.7 seconds - 0.2 seconds quicker than before - is the result. To match that performance hike the chassis has been reworked to provide a greater sense of connection, handling has been sharpened, a new shift calibration has been developed and the exhaust has been tuned for a "more characterful note."

All in the package is said to offer "a more vivid driving experience" without sacrificing the "maturity and effortless continent-crushing GT performance" of the previous car.

Visually the AMR is distinguished by its combination of exposed carbon fibre for elements like the hood blades and side strakes and gloss black detailing for the roof, side sills and splitter. All exterior brightwork has been given the monochrome treatment, with a dark grille and dark headlight surrounds at the front and smoked tail lamps with dark exhaust tips at the rear. A carbon fibre engine cover, exhaust tips and a deployable spoiler are all available as exterior options as well.

Inside you'll find the monotone theme continuing with dark leather and alcantara upholstery offset by a lime central stripe and a sports steering wheel - a carbon fibre wheel and paddle set can also be optioned.

In addition to the usual range of colour and trim options, the DB11 AMR will be also be available as a limited-edition model decorated in AMR's signature Stirling Green and Lime livery. Featuring even more extensive carbon fibre detailing on the exterior, Dark Knight leather with Lime detailing, Satin Dark Chrome switchgear and Satin Carbon Fibre trim, only 100 examples will be sold worldwide, priced at £26,000 more than the standard car.

Of the DB11 AMR Aston Martin CEO, Andy Palmer said: "Since its initial launch back in 2016 the DB11 range has matured rapidly and intelligently, selling close to 4,200 V12 examples in that period. With the exceptional V8 Coupe and Volante we felt the V12 could reveal more of its sporting potential, while remaining the consummate GT."

He continued: "By applying a suite of carefully considered performance and styling enhancements the DB11 AMR is both faster and more precise. It's a combination that engages and cossets in equal measure to create a dynamic and seductive new flagship for the DB11 range, while consolidating the existing V12-powered DB11s as future collectibles".

While 4,200 cars is pretty good going, lately just 40 per cent of DB11 sales have been of the twelve cylinder variety, seemingly leading Aston to deem a larger gap between that car and its eight-pot sibling is necessary. With the AMR on sale now at a starting price of £174,955 - nearly £20,000 more than the outgoing V12, and £30,000 more than a V8 - that gap has certainly been achieved. As for how evident it will be on the road, we'll have to wait until the first drives to find out.