Could it be magic now?

Aston Martin’s Vantage is back with a 656bhp bang and a host of targeted dynamic tweaks. Does it now have what it takes to dominate a class of bona fide grand touring superstars? RICHARD LANE finds out

The Ferrari nearly fails to materialise. With the official press car out of action, locating a good, representative Roma is proving to be a proper head-scratcher, something we can't understand. Since 2020 the model has been the 'affordable' departure point into Ferrari-land and sells steadily in the UK. It's not like we're sniffing about for a 166 MM. But then, with days to go, a solid lead surfaces, followed by a friendly phone call, and an arrangement is made to borrow the rather beautiful junior Ferrari GT before you: Abu Dhabi Blue, low miles, factory-correct Michelins. The group test of the year can now commence.

The Roma simply had to be here. For those in the business of building super-coupés with not only prodigious long-range chops but also the potential for both B-road mirth and 200mph, should the opportunity ever present itself on an empty autobahn, it is the product to beat. It's arguably the most complete Ferrari of modern times, even if it has never been as celebrated as its V12-engined older sibling, the 812 Superfast.

However, the Roma may finally now have met its match. It comes in the form of the latest Aston Martin Vantage, a car whose recent stylistic nip and tuck belies an upwards recalibration of its positioning. Today our would-be Ferrari slayer is a 656bhp silver sledgehammer with gold wheels and green innards, yet somehow VN59 AML is making it all hang together aesthetically, as perhaps only an Aston can. In fact, regardless of the finishing order, the Brit has already won the game of spiking your pulse from 10 yards out.