Aston Martin Racing Launches New Vantage GT4

Based on the strong successes of the previous 4.3 litre Vantage N24, Aston Martin have released the specifications for the brand new 4.7 litre V8 Vantage GT4.

After six months of development the new hand-built GT4 was unveiled in Dubai this week by Aston Martin chairman, David Richards and was tested at the Dubai Autodrome.

It comes as part of the evolution from the N24 with a larger capacity engine that has more torque across the whole rev range and more responsiveness. The 4.7 litre eight cylinder engine has an engine management system recalibrated for race use.

It has enhanced suspension that has been tuned to improve the handling and features modified front uprights to give increased camber. The rear suspension, however, required only minor adjustments from the standard road car Vantage to optimize it for racing. Other aspects of the road car have been carried over to the GT4 such as the active safety systems, including: dynamic stability control, traction control, ABS and electronic brakeforce distribution, providing reassurance and enhanced control in slippery conditions.

“In the last two years, the N24 has proved to be one of the most successful cars in its class; winning the Nurburgring 24 Hours this year, as well as several FIA GT4 races,” said David Richards. “We have built on this success to develop the Vantage GT4, a competitive racing car for professional and semi-professional drivers, but also a forgiving car which will appeal to enthusiasts who wish to use it for track days and club racing.”

Abiding by FIA GT4 regulations the Vantage GT4 is eligible to complete in the following series: FIA GT4 European Cup; British GT4 Championship; Britcar Endurance Series; German GT4 Championship; Dutch Supercar Challenge; Dutch GT4 Championship; VLN Endurance Championship at the Nurburgring; Australian Endurance Championship; the American SCCA Championship; and the Aston Martin Owners Club Race Series.

Aston Martin Racing is now the only manufacturer to produce cars in each of the GT classes: GT1, GT2, GT3 and GT4.

Ed Dooley

19/11/2008