Aston Martin debuted the thoroughly revised V8 Vantage at this year’s Geneva Motor Show. Though styling changes are few (new front and rear bumpers, with the front end also getting a new splitter and diffuser) the improvements beneath the skin are significant.

Output of base V8 Vantage models has been increased to 430 horsepower and 361 pound-feet of torque, matching last year’s Vantage S. There’s a quicker steering ratio, bigger brakes, wider tires and an optional seven-speed Sportshift II gearbox to boast about as well.

Aston Martin says the V8 Vantage is where “total control meets pure emotion.” We’re not sure about that, but it certainly does look good prowling the rain-soaked, late-night streets of Paris for a rendezvous. It sounds great, too, and we'd be content to pilot the coupe for hours, just to hear the melodious symphony from the exhaust.

Like most videos from Aston Martin, we have no idea what the plot behind this is all about. It's gritty, and the washed-out color only adds to the dramatic effect, so we'll give Aston Martin an A- for cinematography. The video does raise one important question, though: if the driver had only left a few minutes earlier, couldn’t he have met his wife, partner or mistress someplace dry?