The 6.3-liter, naturally aspirated V12 directs more than 500 pound-feet of torque through the seven-speed, dual-clutch rear transaxle.

WSJ: 2012 Ferrari F12 Berlinetta Review: Tech That Makes Drivers Into Gods | Rumble Seat by Dan Neil

When you slip the stubby gear selector (an electric switch, actually), you can hear and feel satisfying mechanical clunks and shudders coming from the six-speed, dual-clutch transaxle, signaling that the fuse is lit.

WSJ: Nissan's Mad Scientists Grow a Bluntly Boffo GT-R | Rumble Seat by Dan Neil

With the car transferring power to the ground through a single-clutch mid-rear transaxle, the Vanquish doesn't cycle through gear ratios with quite as much impact as a car with a dual-clutch automatic manual transmission, the Ferrari V12, for instance, which also enjoys a 165-hp advantage.

WSJ: 2014 Aston Martin Vanquish Review: No, Mr. Bond, I Expect You to