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...
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