The all-new British racer that will battle the German giants in 2012.
Major manufacturers have been flocking to GT3 class racing like mad in recent times, and after a few years of absence Aston Martin is rejoining the fray. The V12 Vantage GT3 picks up where the DBRS9 left off and will be pressed into battle against contenders from Porsche, Mercedes, BMW and Audi. If looks are anything to go by, it's more than up to the task.
Its modified 6.0 liter V12 is capable of producing 600 hp, but you can expect this number to be pegged back to around 500 hp after it’s fitted with the requisite air restrictors required by most series. The engine position has also been optimized to improve weight balance and is mated to a paddle-operated 6 speed sequential transmission and a carbon fiber propshaft.
The new aerodynamics result in a rather fearsome-looking racer. The vented hood, front splitter, rear diffuser, massive rear wing and pumped-up wheel arches add up to a very serious package.
We can’t wait to see the V12 Vantage in action at the N24 next year, but expect to also find it competing in other series such as the FIA GT3 Championship, ADAC Masters, Blancpain Endurance Series, British GT, Belcar and Open GT.
Aston Martin’s commitment to international endurance racing has been unwavering. Over the past few years they've had cars competing in every major class from GT4 through to LMP1, though considering their disastrous showing at Le Mans this year, the latter is debatable!
A 10,000 km testing program will start in October and sales begin early next year. It’s easily the most fun you can have for £298,000.
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