The GT8’s carbonfibre door handle unlatches a driver’s door that feels much lighter, as you swing it open, than Aston Martin Vantage regulars will be used to.
All is explained when you see the beautiful carbonfibre panel covering the door’s inner side, which accommodates a small speaker grille, simplified leather handle, anodised aluminium latch release, electric window switch, attractively trimmed leather elbow rest and nothing else.
The fixed-backrest carbonfibre bucket seats are ostensibly the same as those of the GT12, but this time they’re upholstered in Alcantara rather than leather.
They’re comfortable despite the absence of backrest adjustment and place you in front of a fascia trimmed in acres of matching suede, from steering rim to instrument binnacle and beyond.
The Vantage’s manually adjusted steering column feels slightly unwilling as you move it and it doesn’t quite have enough upwards rake travel to suit taller drivers, but otherwise the driving position is sound.
Space isn’t exactly generous; if you’re taller than 6ft 3in, expect to struggle to sit comfortably with a helmet on.
After the Aston Martin DB11’s daring but contrived instrument cluster, the GT8’s wraps you up like a comforting duvet. An analogue speedo and separate tacho dial are fine departure points for any driver’s car.
