With the release of every new Aston Martin, it seems, a new Aston Martin powers its way to the top of the hard-core enthusiast's wish list. Take a few moments to ponder what the past three years have yielded for the British manufacturer: a sequence of cars that all eclipsed the lofty standards set by their respective predecessors.

For example, the latest Vanquish easily outclasses and outpowers the DBS it replaced in 2012. The Rapide S (2013) makes the original Rapide (2010) seem pedestrian. The V12 Vantage S, also unleashed in 2013, is comprehensively better than the car that wowed critics, this one included, in 2009. You get the picture.

But the 2015 Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT tells a different story. This "entry-level" sports car does not seek to blow the driver away with the latest and greatest in performance, design or technology. Instead, it is a distillation – and a simplification – of everything the current Aston Martin fleet represents. For these reasons, it's also an uncontested winner.

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2015 Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT Aston Martin Aston Martin

In North America, the Aston Martin lineup comprises one sedan, four coupes and four convertibles. All are built upon variations of the same platform. There are two engines to choose from, either a naturally aspirated V-8 or a naturally aspirated V-12. All cars are rear-wheel drive. There are three different transmissions across the entire range: a six-speed manual and a pair of single-clutch automatics, in either seven- or eight-speed guise.

Simple.

Within this plain-as-day offering, the Vantage GT is, arguably, the simplest of them all. The 4.7-litre V-8 engine is the least potent of what is a powerhouse lineup – a "meagre" 430 horsepower and a "feeble" 361 lb-ft of torque is all you get. Your top speed is limited to 305 kilometres an hour; your speedometer hits 100 km/h in a "leisurely" 4.8 seconds or so.

This is also the most affordable Aston Martin, a car that is strategically priced at $99,900 (U.S.) to sneak in under that mythical six-figure mark.

The version tested – a royal blue coupe with racy red touches on the mirrors, around the grille and along the A-pillars – came equipped with the true enthusiast's transmission of choice, the six-speed manual. In terms of driver engagement, this is clearly the go-to choice.

2015 Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT Aston Martin Aston Martin

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The clutch is heavy, the pedals are close together and the shift lever is where it should be – this ergonomic combination serves to egg you on to become a more involved driver.

The first few steps with the Vantage GT, taken through the concrete canyons of downtown Los Angeles at legal limits, were a futile attempt at maintaining a low profile – the roar of the engine is so thunderous, it seems certain to be shattering local noise ordinances. As the drive neared its ultimate destination, the mythic Mulholland Drive in Malibu, the car was unleashed and became even more impressive in the process.

As expected, it's fast enough. But the most impressive aspect of the car is its balance and handling. The car features aerodynamic touches and sports suspension derived from Aston's involvement in racing. The steering is brilliant. The front-end grip around corners is amazing. And the way in which the back end steps out exactly when expected is sweet.

In seeking to make the V8 Vantage GT a more modest expression of its brand promise, Aston Martin may have its most compelling vehicle yet. Although this is the nominal "entry-level" Aston Martin, the V8 Vantage GT is, in many ways, the most natural choice for the true driving aficionado.

You'll like this car if ... You like cars. Full stop.

TECH SPECS

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Base price: $108,135

$108,135 Engine: 4.7-litre V-8

4.7-litre V-8 Transmission/drive: Six-speed manual/rear-wheel drive

Six-speed manual/rear-wheel drive Fuel economy (litres/100 km): 19.6 city; 10.8 highway

19.6 city; 10.8 highway Alternatives: Audi R8, Mercedes-AMG GT, Porsche Cayman, Porsche 911

RATINGS

Looks: The fundamental shape of the Vantage has remained the same for years and there’s no reason to change it – this thing is sex on wheels.

The fundamental shape of the Vantage has remained the same for years and there’s no reason to change it – this thing is sex on wheels. Interior: Some beautiful leather, impeccable stitching and that crystal key fob make a great first impression, but after some time in the car, the tactile quality of the power window switches and turn signal stalk reveals a lack of investment in all the finer details.

Some beautiful leather, impeccable stitching and that crystal key fob make a great first impression, but after some time in the car, the tactile quality of the power window switches and turn signal stalk reveals a lack of investment in all the finer details. Performance: Acceleration is strong. The exhaust note is riotous. The clutch pedal is heavy in a way that you never see these days. This is a purebred performance car – and a throwback to an era that may be poised to vanish into the distance.

Acceleration is strong. The exhaust note is riotous. The clutch pedal is heavy in a way that you never see these days. This is a purebred performance car – and a throwback to an era that may be poised to vanish into the distance. Technology: The navigation system screen is tiny by today’s standards and the graphics are woefully outdated. The Vantage GT is almost completely free of all the high-tech driver aids that every other car in this price range possesses.

The navigation system screen is tiny by today’s standards and the graphics are woefully outdated. The Vantage GT is almost completely free of all the high-tech driver aids that every other car in this price range possesses. Cargo: This is a two-seat GT car with a short wheelbase and relatively small dimensions all around. You can count on enough room for a pair of overnight bags.

The Verdict

9.0

A purebred expression of the Aston Martin brand at a "bargain basement" price.

The writer was a guest of the auto maker. Content was not subject to approval.

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The writer was a guest of the auto maker. Content was not subject to approval.