Fisker designed the DB9 and V8 Vantage

Few people would look to transform the appearance of the already handsome Aston Martin Vanquish, but Danish-born Fisker, the designer of the DB9 and V8 Vantage, has done just that. Enlarging the grille and adding a bonnet ‘power dome’ complete with triangular air-intakes won’t be to every Aston Martin fan’s tastes, nor will the wraparound rear glass and new strip-style taillights.

"I wanted to create an elegant, beautiful GT sports coupé, with pure emotional sculpture, that would stay timeless," said Henrik Fisker, who has lowered the standard ride height by 15mm and also fitted 21-inch alloy wheels.

Inside the Thunderbolt, as a result of a partnership between the designer and Swiss watchmaker Maurice Lacroix, the prototype showcases a Skeleton chronograph integrated into the dash. US dealer Galpin Aston Martin is taking a number of limited orders for a less extreme version that features different air-intakes on either side of the grille, and without the show car’s Panasonic infotainment system.