Aston Martin has announced that its new Vantage GT3 racer will take over from the DBRS9 in competition from 2012.
Based on the Aston V12 Vantage road car, the GT3 is built to FIA regulations. Power comes from a 6.0-litre, dry-sumped engine driving through a six-speed semi-automatic transmission. Target outputs for the motor are about 610hp and 700Nm.
The new car should build on the significant experience gained with the DBRS9 since 2006. Aston describes the outgoing car as still competitive - achieving a podium finish at Zolder in Belgium last week - but a new vehicle is necessary because the competition has moved on.
With the new Vantage GT3 joining the line-up of Vantage GT2, GT4, DB9 GT1 and AMR-One LMP-1, the company claims its range of racing cars it the most comprehensive ever.
The first Aston Vantage GT3 will be completed by July ready for testing and final development. Ten customer cars will be built in time for the 2012 race season.