Aston Martin has launched a surprise new model, resurrecting the evocative Virage name first used in 1985.

The new Virage sits between the current DB9 and DBS in terms of performance and exclusivity, being built on the same ‘VH’ platform – a bonded aluminium structure  – and powered by Aston’s hand-built front mid-mounted V12, this time with 490bhp and 420lb ft of torque. That compares well with the DB9’s 470bhp and 443lb ft and the DBS’s 510bhp and 420lb ft, and makes sense of Aston’s claim that the Virage combines the high-tech features of the hard-core DBS with the comfort and luxury of the DB9. Performance is said to be 4.6 seconds for the 0-62mph and a 186mph top speed. We haven’t heard it yet, but a new ‘five pillar’ plenum chamber is expected to deliver an even better sound than the DB9 and DBS V12s.

Although the basic body shape is the same, the Virage is distinguished from the DB9 and DBS by new single bi-xenon headlamps, an aluminium front grille inspired by the One-77, a new front bumper and a new six-LED side strake in the front wings. The sills are of a simpler design than those of the DBS and the rear diffuser carries a single body-coloured blade that emphasises the width of the car.

Inside, the Virage is a step up from the DB9, with hand-stitched Bridge of Weir leather trim in a new style that incorporates a pinstripe welt down either side of the fascia and along each seat and door. A new integrated sat-nav system is also used, developed with Garmin and said to be easier to use than the previous set-up. Other standard equipment includes heated seats, cruise control and a 700W audio system.

Under the skin the Virage suspension is controlled by Aston Martin’s new Adaptive Damping System, which intelligently reads the road to adapt to different conditions, using up to five different stiffness settings in Normal mode and a further five stiffer settings within Sport mode.

The transmission is a six-speed Touchtronic II automatic with paddle shift mode, driven by a carbon fibre propshaft and mounted in the transaxle for 50:50 weight distribution, while the brakes are – unusually even in this market – Carbon Ceramic Matrix as standard for much reduced unsprung weight.

The new Virage and the convertible version, the Virage Volante, are on sale now (prices to be confirmed) and, together with the new Vantage S and the Cygnet city car, will be brought into production this year.