VANTAGE GT8: TAKING THE V8 VANTAGE TO DYNAMIC NEW EXTREMES
◾Vantage GT8: taking the V8 Vantage to dynamic new extremes◾Race-bred Vantage GT8 is the most extreme V8 Vantage
◾Weight savings of up to 100kg make it the lightest Vantage ever
◾Strictly limited to 150 production cars
15 April 2016, Gaydon: Racing is in Aston Martin's blood. From outright victory at Le Mans 24 Hours in 1959, to countless race wins in GT3 and GT4 categories and a continued race and title-winning form in the production-based GTE category of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), Aston Martin is proud to be at the forefront of GT racing.
All Aston Martin road cars possess some of that sporting DNA, but the luxury brand's most extreme models draw directly from that knowledge and passion to deliver something altogether more overt in looks and ability. The new Vantage GT8 is just that.
Director of Special Projects and Motorsport, David King 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.'
Inspired and influenced by the 2016 Aston Martin V8 Vantage GTE race car, the Vantage GT8 is a true thoroughbred. The lightest and most powerful V8 Vantage ever, the Vantage GT8's dramatically sculpted carbon fibre bodywork has been shaped by race-bred aerodynamic function. With a super-sharp chassis tuned for track-focused agility, powered by a revised 446PS1 version of Aston Martin's rousing 4.7-litre V8 and available with a choice of six-speed manual or seven-speed SportshiftTM II paddle-shift transmissions, the Vantage GT8 has unmistakable style, a no-nonsense stance and a driving experience that's second to none.
From nose to tail the motorsport inspired special edition is every inch the road racer. Wide-bodied with aerodynamics that clearly take their lead from Aston Martin Racing's WEC contender, it features extensive use of carbon fibre with the front splitter, front and rear bumpers, fenders, side sills and rear diffuser all fashioned from the lightweight material. One of the most striking standard features is the cutaway front wheelarch, which mimics that of the GTE racer. Those wishing for the most extreme aero configuration can specify the optional Aero Pack, which adds the large rear wing and additional corner elements to the front splitter.
The Vantage GT8 is further distinguished by a new 5-spoke alloy wheel, with ultra-lightweight seven-spoke centre-lock magnesium rims available as an option. Both standard and optional wheels are shod with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres for exceptional performance on-road and track. Three optional 'Halo' paint schemes are available; striking combinations of China Grey and Blue, Stratus White and Green or Stirling Green and Lime that perfectly capture the Vantage GT8's dynamic character and performance.
Improved performance through weight saving is central to the Vantage GT8. A standard-fit lithium ion battery sheds more vital kilos while further (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 lightweight carbon fibre sports seats (with manual adjustment, again to save weight) and carbon fibre door panels, this comprehensive suite of lightweight components saves up to 100kg, making the Vantage GT8 the lightest Vantage ever. Air-conditioning, a 160w audio system and Aston Martin's latest AMi III infotainment system ensures it remains genuinely road-useable.
Announcing the introduction of the new Vantage GT8, Aston Martin CEO Dr Andy Palmer said: 'Road cars are our business, but racing is the beating heart of Aston Martin. The Vantage GT8 expresses that combination perfectly: an authentic and unashamedly extreme road car that draws directly from our Le Mans racing programme to amplify the inherent dynamism that has long made the Vantage such a fine sports car. Beautifully engineered and set-up to be equally at home on a fabulous road or a demanding race track, the Vantage GT8 is a driver's car in the truest sense of the word.'
Appealing to collectors as well as pure driving enthusiasts, the Vantage GT8 will be strictly limited to just 150 examples. Recommended retail price starts from £165,000 and deliveries will commence in Q4 2016.
1 Predicted power outputSource - Aston Martin
Aston Martin
Similar Automakers
Similarly Sized Vehicles
from 2016
Recent Vehicle Additions
Performance and Specification Comparison
Related Automotive News
Aston Martin Vantage GT8 Takes Honours At Nürburgring 24 Hours
Aston Martin Vantage GT8 wins SP8 class in 2017 ADAC Nürburgring 24 Hours
Close-to-production car punches above its weight to finish just outside top 20
#7 Aston Martin runs flawlessly for 24 hours
Sunday 28 May, Nürburgring Aston Martin Racing...
Aston Martin Vantage GT8 Qualifies 2nd For Nürburgring 24 Hours
Aston Martin Vantage GT8 to start second in SP8 category
Team on track after trouble-free qualifying sessions
Drivers delighted by consistent running in dry conditions
Friday 26 May, Nürburgring Aston Martin Racing will start the 2017 ADA...
Aston Martin Vantage GT8 Returns To The Green Hell
Vantage GT8 to compete for top honours in close-to production SP8 class
Experienced driver line-up includes FIA WEC Aston Martin Racing works drivers Darren Turner and Nicki Thiim
Aston Martin Nürburgring Test Centre enters additional V12 Vantage...
Aston Martin's Vantage GT8 To Take On Challenge Of Bathurst 12 Hours
Vantage GT8 to power up Mount Panorama with R-Motorsport
Aston Martin Racing works driver Darren Turner to join Vantage GT8 driver line-up
Miedecke Motorsport to compete in top-level GT3 category with V12 Vantage GT3
Friday 3 February, Bathurs...
TOUCH DOWN IN LE MANS FOR ASTON MARTIN RACING
Three car line-up due to take on FIA WEC season centrepiece
Team look to build on strong results of FIA World Endurance Championship season
Aston Martin Racing joined by Beechdean AMR at prestigious 24-hour classic
Monday 13 June, Le Mans Asto...
Porsche celebrates 25 years of the 911 GT3
The motorsport-derived 911 variant debuted 25 years ago.
Atlanta. A quarter of a century ago, Porsche introduced a new model that would go on to become a legend the 911 GT3. Named after a class of endurance racing cars, the motorsport-derived...
A line-up of champions set to lead the new era for Aston Martin Racing and Vantage into 2024
Aston Martin racing re-signs Danish multiple world champions Marco Sørensen and Nicki Thiim to works driver line-up
GTWC Europe Sprint Cup champion Mattia Drudi and 24 Hours of Le Mans class winner Henrique Chaves join all-star Aston Martin line-u...
Aston Martin Vantage on the brink of history as The Heart of Racing Team seek titles in IMSA finale
Vantage GT3 on verge of its biggest success in North America ahead of IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championships Petit Le Mans finale
Roman De Angelis aims to win Aston Martins first IMSA class overall title
Aston Martin crowns dominant year as p...
Aston Martin Racing Introduces The Vantage Legacy Collection
Trio of original Vantage race cars offered as a special edition collection
Includes the final V8 Vantage GTE from the family line that recorded two Le Mans class victories and seven WEC titles
Multiple championship-winning Vantage GT3 and GT4 mod...
Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro: Redefining The Limits Of Performance
Fully-optimised, track-only version of worlds most extreme hypercar
Increased power and torque combined with further weight reductions
Significantly increased downforce from all-new aerodynamic package
Capable of achieving lap performance to riv...