REGARDLESS of what you thought of the rest of it, one of the highlights of the latest James Bond movie, Spectre, was undoubtedly the Aston Martin DB10.

The chase between Bond (in the Aston natch) and the chief bad guy Mr Hinx (driving an equally exclusive Jaguar CX-75) around the historic streets of Rome is one of the standout moments of the new movie.

The DB10 was crafted specially for 007 (only ten were made, eight for the filming and two show cars) but fear not, Bond’s wheels are already old hat.

A new chapter in Aston Martin’s history began at the 86th International Geneva Motor Show this week with the unveiling of the DB11. The first product launched under the company’s ‘Second Century’ plan, DB11 is the bold new figurehead of the illustrious ‘DB’ bloodline and an authentic, dynamic sporting GT in the finest Aston Martin tradition.

The DB11 showcases a fresh and distinctive design language, a new aero package as well as a potent new in-house designed 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine.

Built upon a new lighter, stronger, and more space efficient bonded aluminium structure, DB11 is the most powerful, most efficient and most dynamically gifted DB model in Aston Martin’s history. As such, it is the most significant new Aston Martin since the introduction of the DB9 in 2003.

Visually the new model is every bit as impressive as 007’s company car. The the front-hinging clamshell bonnet, distinctive LED headlights and accentuated lines of the iconic Aston Martin grille give it immense road presence. If you see one of these looming in the rear view mirror – you get out of the way, quick.

The profile is equally dramatic, thanks to the roof strakes that flow uninterrupted from A-pillar to C-pillar. The clean lines continue at the rear, with a sloping deck lid that smoothly blends into boldly sculpted tail-lights to create a new and unmistakable graphic.

Aerodynamics play their part in this aesthetic revolution with clever management of airflow both over and through the bodywork aiding stability while preserving the DB11’s uncluttered surfaces. Front-end lift is reduced by the gill-like Curlicue which releases high-pressure air from inside the wheel arch via a concealed vent within the redesigned side-strake. Meanwhile, rear-end lift is reduced by a virtual spoiler fed by discreet air intakes located at the base of each C-pillar. Air is ducted through the bodywork, before venting as a jet of air from the aperture in the rear deck lid. Nothing so vulgar as a plastic spoiler for Aston, old chap.

Fans of the marque in the North are in for a treat because they will be among the first in the country to see the new DB11 in the metal when Aston Martin Newcastle opens on March 24.

Located on the Silverlink shopping park, which is easily accessible from the A19 and A1, Aston Martin Newcastle includes a 14-car showroom offering the full range of Aston Martin sports cars and a separate “Q” lounge where discerning customers can tailor their new car to the exact specification of their choosing.

Never let it be said that Aston isn’t getting full value from its 007 connections.