Friday 14th November 2008

Aston Vantage GT4

New track-ready racer packs more punch

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This racing version of Aston Martin's new V8 Vantage replaces the popular 4.3-litre Vantage N24 racing car that came before it. The British bruiser now packs a 4.7-litre V8 tuned to be more responsive, and a reprogrammed engine management computer.

Aerodynamic modifications once again add a subtle hint of aggression to the Vantage's sleek aluminium body, and the interior has been stripped out and refitted to keep weight down and make room for racing bits-and-bobs such as a six-point harness, a rollcage and a fire-extinguisher. There is a significant 300kg weight-reduction over the standard car, and when the figures are released they are expected to show a significant improvement in power-to-weight ratio over the old car.

Helping to reign in all of this extra poke are larger and better-ventilated front discs, and a new handling package that sees modified front uprights and retuned suspension. The old car was named N24 after the Nurburgring 24-hour race. Its replacement takes its name from the FIA's GT4 racing class, and the car has been designed to conform with this class's regulations.

The GT4 is therefore eligible for a large number of GT4 and endurance championships around the world, including the FIA GT4 European cup and the Britcar Endurance Series, but also many lesser-known events and series. The N24 was successful as an 'out-of-the-box' gentleman's racecar for both teams and private individuals, and clearly Aston want to emphasise this versatility with the Vantage GT4.

Prices start at £96,645, though expect to pay significantly more for the popular 'Sportshift' sequential gearbox. Deliveries will start in January 2009. Which gives us just about enough time to cash in the little value that's left in our houses...

[pistonlager]

will bits still fall of it ?

[thechippy]

"There is a significant 300kg weight-reduction over the standard car, and when the figures are released they are expected to show a significant improvement in power-to-weight ratio over the old car."

This car needs a turbo or two, because the standard model is far too slow. In comparison to a 550 Maranello it cannot even come close, I know this because I repeatedly spanked the Vantage last year across Europe in my oldest car, an eleven year old Ferrari. Come on Aston, just give it the power it deserves. It sounds damn good, DAMN GOOD, but performance does not match the noise.

Edited by thechippy on Friday 14th November 13:42

Edited by thechippy on Friday 14th November 13:42

Edited by thechippy on Friday 14th November 13:43

[TheForceV4]

Whats bhp at in this one then?

thechippy said:

" Come on Aston, just give it the power it deserves. It sounds damn good, DAMN GOOD, but performance does not match the noise.

Agreed 100%

[thechippy]

[quote=TheForceV4]Whats bhp at in this one then?

Probably 250 bhp

[munch997]

isnt that a few kilos lighter than the N24?
difference being?
engine is 4.7 instead of 4.3....
top speed? probly the same...

[HonestIago]

I had a ride in a standard 4.3 and was underwhelmed by the acceleration and I drive a 130bhp Golf Tdi! Though we used to have 1999 Impreza Turbo which I think felt a LOT faster than the Vantage!

[PistonSquizz]

I've got a 1999 Impreza Turbo (nothing special) and I spanked a Vantage recently in a little friendly tussle. Very disappointing.

[Aubrey]

thechippy said:

I repeatedly spanked the Vantage last year across Europe in my oldest car, a mapped BMW 335d.

EFA

Sorry, couldn't resist

Edited by Aubrey on Friday 14th November 14:32

[roughrider]

The 4.7 is a major step forward, having 420 bhp & 470 Nm of torque. As the standard car weighs 1630 Kg, it has 258 bhp/tonne. If you take 300 Kg off for the GT4, it equates to 316 bhp/tonne.

[pits]

looks like its attempted to put lipstick on and each time it has got to the top of its mouth someone accelerated....

[TimCrighton]

Having raced the N24 in the Silverstone 24hour I think the new car is an exciting prospect and look forward to getting behind the wheel of the new car when it arrives next season.

It is a heavy car, but even the old 4.3 N24 was well balanced and torquey and the works car ran the new 4.7 at Silverstone in the 24hour and it was worth around 2 seconds a lap over the 4.3 - a major step forward - particularly when you consider that Aston are aready on the pace in the FIA GT4 Cup (the championship for which this car is designed).

[TimCrighton]

pistonlager said:

will bits still fall of it ?

24 hours of Silverstone GP circuit and all it required was brake pads, tyres, fuel and a head lamp bulb - find me a Ferrari that would do the same!

This is the N24 race car we are talking about - not the Vantage road car - The N24 has always proven very reliable

[Rox]

PistonSquizz said:

I've got a 1999 Impreza Turbo (nothing special) and I spanked a Vantage recently in a little friendly tussle. Very disappointing.

No offence but I would still have the Vantage!!

I have no issue with the Vantage not being as quick as a Impreza, the Aston has the sound and more importantly has the look.
Its a classy and stunning car.

[zac510]

Plus it's GT4 spec so it's not going to fit in the regs if it has 600hp or so..

Are they still doing the V12 vantage? That's the silly road model that you want

[Tuna]

So where are the people from the Lotus thread complaining that this 'trackday car' costs nearly £100K when you could buy a caterham for £16K?

[zac510]

Tuna said:

So where are the people from the Lotus thread complaining that this 'trackday car' costs nearly £100K when you could buy a caterham for £16K?

Just copy and paste the replies and save us the time

[wanacoop]

PistonSquizz said:

I've got a 1999 Impreza Turbo (nothing special) and I spanked a Vantage recently in a little friendly tussle. Very disappointing.

was your scooby standard??

[cvegas]

One of the most beautiful cars ever made. A very stylish way to go racing.

[pistonlager]

TimCrighton said:

pistonlager said:

will bits still fall of it ?

24 hours of Silverstone GP circuit and all it required was brake pads, tyres, fuel and a head lamp bulb - find me a Ferrari that would do the same!

This is the N24 race car we are talking about - not the Vantage road car - The N24 has always proven very reliable

Maybe when a V8 vantage leaves Gaydon and arrives in Nurburg they send all bits that fell off during the journey back to the UK, and then they rebadge it GT4.

Please excuse my sarcasm.

Edited by pistonlager on Saturday 15th November 09:33

[Team GCR]

My Son, Tom Dunstan, was in Dubai earlier this week trying the car. I'll see him on Sunday and get a full report on what he thought of it.