Aston Martin has unveiled the Vantage GT3, marking a new chapter in the British marque's GT racing ambitions.
This state-of-the-art machine revealed alongside the new Vantage road car, is set to contest in prestigious series like the FIA World Endurance Championship and IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
A blend of elegance and efficiency
At its core, the Vantage GT3 shares the mechanical architecture of its predecessors and the Vantage road car.
It features Aston Martin's bonded aluminium chassis and a powerful 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, encapsulated in a striking carbon fibre bodywork that improves upon the Vantage road car while emphasising aerodynamic efficiency.
This engine configuration ensures a formidable presence on the track, especially as the Vantage GT3 complies with FIA GT3 class regulations, including the new-for-2024 LMGT3 category.
Its global competitiveness is evident as it's set to participate in various series, including the European Le Mans Series and the Nürburgring Langstrecken Serie.
Racing and road synergy
The collaboration between Aston Martin Racing and Aston Martin Performance Technologies has been pivotal in the development of the Vantage GT3.
This synergy has enabled the transfer of technology and methodologies from Aston Martin's Formula 1 experience into their GT racing program.
The Vantage GT3 is a testament to this, incorporating cutting-edge electronics and revised suspension settings.
Developed with a focus on driveability for all skill levels, the Vantage GT3 underwent extensive testing, including a 30-hour endurance test.
According to Aston Martin, feedback from both professional and amateur drivers has been positive, noting its quick yet forgiving nature and suitability for the competitive nature of top-level GT racing.
Gustavo Betelli, Head of Performance at Aston Martin Racing, emphasizes the balance achieved in the GT3: "We wanted to make the car more stable under braking. The old car would dive a lot under braking, so we had to try and control the pitch with the rear suspension setup."
"But this meant it was stiff, which made it quite snappy and, also over-worked the tyres. Working heavily on damper tuning, we have found a much better balance with the new car so we can generate the downforce without compromising the suspension set-up.
"The result is much-improved progression and greater stability in all conditions. It also works its tyres much more evenly, so teams have more options on strategy," Betelli added.
Global ambition
Aston Martin's Vantage GT3 was built to be a global competitor.
With international teams eager to field this vehicle, Aston Martin projects 30 Vantage GT3s racing by the end of 2024, continuing its legacy of success in motorsport.
We'll have to wait and see how this new GT3 racer fares against the best of the best.
