Tuesday, 19 April 2011

Aston Martin launches Vantage GT3 for 2012 race season

Wednesday, Apr 13th, 2011 @ 1:25 p.m.

Aston Martin has revamped its road-going lineup over the last several months – including the launches of the all-new Virage and Cygnet – and now the British automaker is setting its sights on improving its racing range.

Aston Martin has announced it will replace its aging DBRS9 with a new Vantage GT3 racecar. The DBRS9 launched in 2006 at Le Mans.

Based on the road-going V12 Vantage, the Vantage GT3 is powered by a 6.0L V12. That engine will be backed by a semi-automatic paddle shift Xtrac gearbox and the latest race-developed ABS and traction control systems, optimized for the Vantage GT3.

“The DBRS9 has been a very successful GT3 racing car and, despite being more than six years old, is still competitive today,” said John Gaw, Aston Martin Racing Managing Director. “However, the competition has moved on and we needed to create a new car that combines our six years’ experience in this category with the latest race technology to continue Aston Martin’s success in GT3 for many years to come.”

Aston Martin has yet to release official performance figures for the car, but says it will produce at least 600 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. The Vantage GT3 will tip the scaled at 2,755 pounds.

Aston Martin plans to complete the first Vantage GT3 by July, with the first deliveries expected in early 2012 – just in time for the 2012 racing season.


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