Aston Martin announced the imminent launch of the 2015MY Vanquish and Rapide S models featuring a host of enhancements over the previous versions. Thanks to an improved engine management systems and the band-new eight-speed Touchtronic III automatic gearbox, the cars deliver better performance and lower emissions.

In the case of the 2015 Aston Martin Vanquish, the introduction of the ZF-built Touchtronic III 8-speeder drops the 0 to 6 time from 4.1 seconds to a pulverizing 3.6 seconds and increases the top speed to over 200 mph. The Rapide S too becomes quicker, with a 0-60 time of 4.2 seconds instead of 4.7.

The new transmission is lighter and therefore, combined with features like Adaptive Drive Recognition (ADR) and the enhanced engine software, results in much greater economy than before. Aston promises up to 31 mpg and CO2 figures of 298 g/km for Vanquish and 300 g/km for Rapide S.

2015 Aston Martin Vanquish & Rapide get a couple of styling upgrades as well, in form of new ten-spoke forged alloy wheel designs and new and special paint colors. Inside, the cars get new leather trim colour options including the contemporary blue-black Dark Knight, and bold Fandango Pink.

2015 modelyear Vanquish and Rapide S will go on sale in the third quarter of 2014 with pricing and market-specific specs yet to be announced.