Wednesday 15th April 2015

Aston Martin Vantage GT12 out and about

Go on, take a wild guess which German race track they've been testing it on...

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Fresh from its hurried renaming after Porsche imperiously declared ownership of all things GT3 (while conveniently forgetting one of Hethel's finest moments), the Aston Martin Vantage GT12 has finally arrived at the Nurburgring de-cloaked and ready for action.

Nicely sinister stripped of lairy graphics

While the 600hp V12 has undoubtedly already turned hundreds of laps in a disguised form, the nature of the extreme aerodynamic package mean those laps won't be representative of the final car's performance.

Yes, we're talking Nurburgring lap times. With an upgraded Brembo ceramic braking system, and the latest Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2s, all that aerodynamic downforce shouldn't be going to waste. It's a fair assumption that this will be the Vantage's ultimate track-going form, short of the real (as in, SRO homologated) GT3 racing car. Officially the GT12 is here at the Nurburgring to make "final preparations before production starts in earnest in Q3 2015."

But, honestly, who believes that? After Porsche spoilt Aston's fun with the GT3 moniker, wouldn't it be poetic if the Aston could leave its own mark in Porsche's back garden? It'll have to go better than 7min 20sec if it's to better the GT3 RS it shared the Geneva spotlight with...

More as we get it.

 

[soad]

Useless article without the video.

[P4ROT]

Looks so much better without the silly graphics.

[fourspoons]

One day Aston are going to have to actually design a new car

[Arbs]

Wondered how long it would be before someone complained about it looking like all the others! 3 comments is a winner isnt it! But honestly, why design a new car when they can do this, look unbelievable! I would!

[gregf40]

I've been toying with ordering one of these for a while...it does look awesome in black.

Think I may have to go down to Gaydon and check one out if they will let me!

[j90gta]

Luke - I am your father. No you cannot borrow my car!!!

Seriously that does look quite purposeful. Hope it goes as well as it looks.

[hwajones]

I HATE those lights!
looks like something from a Demon Tweeks catalogue...

[moribund]

I'll take mine in the Geneva show colours please. No need to deliver it, I'll drive it home.

[ecs0set]

Hmm, looks like something from Mansory.

[TNH]

That looks properly naughty in all black. Love it.

[Burnham]

That nose wouldn't look out of place on the front page of Max Power.

[Dave Hedgehog]

ecs0set said:

Hmm, looks like something from Mansory.

indeed

the stock astons are so beautiful there is no need for vents and bolt ons

[smilo996]

fourspoons said:

One day Aston are going to have to actually design a new car

So you missed the Pistonheads new Aston spyshot article then. Here is something for the interim:

http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/aston-martin-va...

[Ali_T]

fourspoons said:

One day Aston are going to have to actually design a new car

Not before Porsche do....

[Burwood]

Great looking car-any clips of the noise? I assume about 230k ish?

[Richard-G]

although its not really the point of this car, MY GOD ITS PRETTY!

imagine how fast you'd move over if that thing popped up in your rear view!

[Countersteer]

Apparently, the head of Aston Martin Design now is a 12yr old...

[benters]

fourspoons said:

One day Aston are going to have to actually design a new car

this is so right

come on guys, try a new design !

[jonby]

gregf40 said:

I've been toying with ordering one of these for a while...it does look awesome in black.

Think I may have to go down to Gaydon and check one out if they will let me!

they are long since sold out and oversubscribed..............

[chelme]

benters said:

fourspoons said:

One day Aston are going to have to actually design a new car

this is so right

come on guys, try a new design !

Er new designs are on their way lads....

In the interim, this looks awesome! Definitely a classic in the future, if not immediately. Would like to read a review of this beast. Porsche GT3, eat your heart out.