Aston Martin launch the magnificent DBS Superleggera in London

At a glamorous launch event in London on Tuesday 26 June, Aston Martin brought together approximately 300 VIP guests to reveal its new Super GT, the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera, in suitably dramatic fashion. Displayed on a raised platform at the centre of the Round House, Camden, where its contemporary lines and powerful engineering could be appreciated by all, Aston Martin introduced the world to what the brand's insiders fondly refer to as its "brute in a suit".

Replacing the esteemed Vanquish S as the luxury car brand's flagship product, the DBS Superleggera combines a 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 engine with 725PS, 900Nm of torque, a top speed of 211mph and acceleration from 0-62mph in just 3.4 seconds – or, if you really have the opportunity to open up, 0-100mph in 6.4 seconds.

Visually, it's just as impressive – as Tempus discovered in a sneak preview just hours before the event – and a sign of the brand's evolving aesthetic that has been wowing us with every year's release. The carbon fibre body panels are designed to create a "muscular and individual" look, according to the brand's official release. From the front, the deep black grill and almond-shaped headlines scream power and punch, while the aerodynamic lines of the body are sleek and modern, taking elements of the DB11's curlicue and aeroblade while adding on an F1-inspired double-diffuser.

“DBS Superleggera not only marks the return of a great Aston Martin name, but signals our return to the very pinnacle of the Super GT sector," said Dr Andy Palmer, Aston Martin's president and CEO. >>

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"Handsome beyond measure, its lightweight carbon composite and aluminium body is sculpted into a shape with tremendous presence and charisma. Thanks to the remarkable torque available from its twin-turbo V12, DBS Superleggera also packs a breath-taking punch, yet its dynamics have been carefully honed to engage drivers of all ability levels. Immaculately styled, obsessively engineered and outrageously potent, the new DBS Superleggera is every inch the Aston Martin flagship.”

After its reveal, the event was complete with the viewing of a new film by Nick Knight – himself an Aston Martin collector – who was inspired by the car's acceleration. "I asked what the single key attribute of the car was," Knight says, "and the answer was ‘speed'."

For technophiles, the DBS Superleggera also comes with a range of toys as standard – from keyless entry, tyre pressure monitoring system and a 360-degree camera with Parking Distance Display and Park Assist. The audio system has DAB plus Bluetooth audio and phone streaming, iPod, iPhone and USB playback, and there is, of course, an integrated Sat Nav and wi-fi hub. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in Q3 2018.

Don't miss our exclusive interview with Miles Nurnberger, director of design at Aston Martin, only in Tempus Magazine's Design Edition, available 1 July