If the £330,000 Aston Martin asks for its V12 Zagato seems a little pricey, then why not go for something cheaper in the range that uses its performance on the track rather than today’s busy roads. Enter the new V12 Vantage GT3, the car which replaces the highly successful DBRS9 and will set you back a mere £298,000.
The Vantage GT3 features a modified version of Aston Martin’s production 6.0 litre V12 engine found in the marque’s highly acclaimed sports cars. The dry-sumped engine is expected to produce 600 bhp with 700 Nm of torque and its position has been optimised further to improve weight balance. A carbon fibre propshaft mates the engine to a Xtrac 6 speed sequential transmission with semi-automatic paddle shift gear change.
The Vantage GT3 benefits from Aston Martin’s V/H architecture philosophy, the modular chassis uses aerospace bonding techniques to create a light and immensely stiff aluminium and composite structure which not only aids handling on Aston Martin’s road cars but is also an ideal base for competitive race cars.
Aston Martin’s venerable DBRS9
Most dramatic of all, are the new aerodynamics, contributing to a muscular and purposeful stance while maintaining the overall beauty of the V12 Vantage. The shorter wheel base and lower engine position over its predecessor will contribute to enhanced handling and performance. The new car will also provide enhanced driveability with the latest race-developed ABS and Traction Control systems which are fitted to the V12 Vantage GT3 as standard.
The Vantage GT3 will be eligible for numerous race series around the world including the FIA GT3 Championship, ADAC Masters, Nürburgring VLN, Blancpain Endurance Series, British GT, Belcar and Open GT among others.
Aston Martin remains the only manufacturer to offer a race car for every GT class, firmly cementing it as a global forerunner in race car production. The new Vantage GT3 is being developed to replicate and indeed surpass the superb track record of the DBRS9 which accumulated many race podiums and victories over the last six years. Surprisingly, given how much we’ve watched the DBRS9 compete in GT championships around the world, Aston have sold only 24 cars to customer teams.
Testing of the new Vantage GT3 will commence in October, where it will undergo a comprehensive sign-off durability programme over 10,000 km. Deliveries of the first cars will commence in early 2012, just in time for the start of the race season in the Spring.
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