Aston Martin has officially unveiled the Vantage GT8, a race-inspired model that will be strictly limited to 150 production cars. The luxury carmaker currently competes in the production-based GTE category of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC).
Borrowing visual cues from the 2016 V8 Vantage GTE race car, the Vantage GT8 is the lightest and most powerful V8 Vantage ever, powered by a revised 440 bhp version of Aston Martin’s 4.7-litre V8. The engine is mated to either a six-speed manual or seven-speed paddle-shift transmission.
Externally, the wide-bodied car gets carbon-fibre bodywork that includes the front splitter, front and rear bumpers, fenders, side sills and rear diffuser. One of the key standard features is the cutaway front wheelarch, which mimics that of the GTE racer. For improved aerodynamics, there’s also an optional aero pack, which adds the large rear wing and additional corner elements to the front splitter.
To reduce the car’s weight even more, optional weight saving measures include a carbon-fibre roof, polycarbonate rear screen and rear side windows and a titanium centre mounted exhaust. Together with the standard-fit carbon-fibre seats and carbon-fibre door panels, Aston Martin claims these lightweight components save up to 100 kg, making the Vantage GT8 the lightest Vantage ever.
The model is further distinguished by a new 5-spoke alloy wheel, with seven-spoke centre-lock magnesium rims coming as an option. Both standard and optional wheels are shod with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres.
The GT8 is the first of two special edition cars that Aston Martin will launch this year.
Source: Aston Martin
