Aston Martin is giving a price guide of £150,000 to £200,000 for Vanquish which becomes the Ford subsidiary's new flagship.

The 190mph V12 accelerates from 0-60mph in under 4.5 seconds. It is powered by a 450bhp 6-litre engine. Advance orders from the US will account for more than 30% of sales during the first half of 2001.

Annual production has been set at 300 with more than 200 cars set for UK customers.

Ulrich Bez, Aston Martin chief executive, said: “Vanquish is all technology targeted to positive customer benefits.”