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What do you get if you take a GT race car and make a road-legal version for the lucky few? This. You're looking at the Aston Martin Vantage GT8 and you'd better move fast if you want one, as only 150 will be built.
Exterior
Despite the eye-catching almighty rear wing, the Vantage GT8 takes its inspiration from the World Endurance Championship (WEC) production-based GTE racer and so it has a wide body, carbon fibre everywhere - front splitter, both bumpers, wings, side sills and the rear diffuser - and a cut-away front wheel arch. Actually, coming back to that large boot appendage and the front splitter, they're actually part of an optional Aero Pack, so you don't have to have it if you don't want; although you should.
In the distended arches are a set of new five-spoke alloys, although ultra-light seven-spoke centre-lock magnesium rims are an option. Either way, you get Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres and a choice of three 'Halo' paint schemes: China Grey and Blue; Stratus White and Green; or Stirling Green and Lime. Tasty.
Interior
Along with its trimmed exterior, improved performance through weight saving is central to the Vantage GT8 and to make up a combined weight loss of up to 100kg across the car, the interior gets the crash diet treatment too. A standard-fit lithium-ion battery starts the process, while carbon fibre sports seats (with manual adjustment, to save kilos) and door panels further aid lightness. Kg-shedding options include a carbon fibre roof, polycarbonate rear screen and rear side windows, and a titanium centre-mounted exhaust. However, to ensure it remains reasonably comfortable as a road car, Aston fits air-con, a 160-watt audio system and its AMi III infotainment interface.
Mechanicals
Not much said here by Aston Martin, other than it's the lightest and most powerful example of the Vantage fitted with a V8 yet. The 4.7-litre unit makes 446hp and drives the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual transmission or the seven-speed Sportshift II gearbox.
Anything else?
David King, Aston's director of special projects and motorsport, said: "We long held the desire to create a road car that truly reflects our racing activity at Le Mans. With the Vantage GT8, we've finally been able to achieve that. By focusing on weight savings and aerodynamics, we've taken the V8 Vantage to an entirely different level of agility and aggression. It's a hugely exciting car honed to the keenest possible edge."
With just 150 to be made with deliveries commencing in the final quarter of 2016, the Aston Martin Vantage GT8 should start at around £165,000 - which, if any Irish buyers are likely to get hold of one, means you can probably think of more like €265,000 to get one over here.
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