Hardcore Aston Vantage GT3 teased

Aston Martin teases us with first details of its new Vantage GT3 model.

What's the news?

Aston Martin has confirmed the existence of a truly hardcore road legal version of the Vantage sports car. It'll be called the Vantage GT3, taking its inspiration from the company's myriad racing models, and makes its world debut at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show in March. Ahead of that we have a single teaser image and video to draw our speculation from.

Exterior

The official picture shown here reveals that the Vantage GT3 comes with a massive fixed rear wing. That'll surely mean a revised front end too to balance the aerodynamics, so we expect all new bumpers and even a reshaped bonnet. Spy shots of the car at the Nürburgring suggest that the track is wider as well, so expect bulging wheelarches and racing inspired alloy wheels.

Interior

Although Aston Martin hasn't said anything about the cabin of the Vantage GT3 road car, there are plenty of frames in the video below showing the cockpit of the racer, which we reckon hints at a more stripped out appearance than most Aston Martin buyers are used to. The new model may even have some form of roll cage, but most certainly will come with lightweight racing style seats and harnesses and a special steering wheel.

Mechanicals

It has to be assumed that the GT3 will be powered by the company's most powerful engine, its 6.0-litre V12. In the V12 Vantage S this makes 573hp and 620Nm of torque and rumours indicate that the GT3 will benefit from increases. Helping further with performance is an expected reduction in weight thanks in part to new carbon fibre components.

Anything else?

Just 100 examples of the Aston Martin Vantage GT3 road car will be produced for sale. It's expected to be a swansong for the Vantage line-up, which is due for replacement in 2016.

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Published on: January 7, 2015