The new Vantage might have proven slightly controversial in terms of design, but no one can argue that it’s not a genuinely head-turning sports car.

Aston Martin’s latest entry-point model is the first to feature a powertrain from AMG, namely the twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 that’s paired to an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission and churns out 503hp (510PS) and 505lb-ft (685Nm) of torque.

The British manufacturer claims a 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds (0-100 km/h in 3.6) and a top speed of 195 mph (313 km/h). The new Vantage is built on a new aluminum chassis, helping the small Aston to tip the scales at 3,373 lbs (1,530 kg) dry.

In order to make sure that the driver of the new Vantage feels more connected to the driving experience, Aston Martin has mounted the rear subframe solidly to the chassis for better feedback, while the suspension employs adjustable dampers. The latter come with ‘Sport’ mode as the default – there’s no ‘Comfort’ or ‘Normal’ mode here.

Combining a genuine fun-to-drive character with the luxury and visual presence of an Aston Martin is and always will be an attractive proposition, but the new Vantage manages to do so with a starting price of $150k. We don’t know about you, but to these eyes, the new baby Aston look more expensive and that’s a big bonus for prospective customers.

Even so, it’s way out of our reach – and, unless we win the lottery, will remain so. Jay Leno, however, isn’t concerned with that kind of first-world problems, and he shares his thoughts on the new Vantage on the video that follows.