Aston Martin has made comprehensive technical updates to its Rapide S and Vanquish models, both of which now feature an all-new 8-speed auto, new engine management system, as well as updated trims and options.

The Touchtronic III ZF gearbox is of a transaxle design, which has a raft of positive effects, even if it’s still used in conjunction with the ageing Aston VH architecture.

Performance is improved as both models shave around half a second off their previous zero to sixty times. These now drop to 3.6 seconds for the Vanquish and 4.2 for the Rapide.

Efficiency is also bettered, along with the inherent drop in CO2 emissions. Improvements are in the 10 percent-ish area here.

Even the power is increased, though barely noticeably. The Vanquish adds three horses for a total of 568, while the Rapide gains two more, for a 552 hp grand total.

The update is actually very comprehensive and goes even deeper. Both cars feature new engine management (ECUs), as well as uprated suspension. The Vanquish is 15 percent stiffer at the front and 35 percent stiffer at the rear; the Rapide’s suspension is left untouched, but it does get larger brakes.

Visual improvements are “subtle but important,” as the Aston blurb says. The exterior features “new ten-spoke forged alloy wheel designs, available in a variety of finishes,” along with new paint color options. Inside, new combinations of leather colors are also available.

By Andrei Nedelea

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