Aston Martin just revealed the GT3 racing version of the V12 Vantage, and released its full specifications list, together with pricing and availability information. The successor of the DBRS9, the Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3 is powered by the 6.0 liter V12 engine, equipped with dry sump oil system, which has been tuned to output 600 bhp and 700 Nm of torque. The engine of the GT3 V12 Vantage is mated to a rear-wheel-drive system via an Xtrac 6 speed sequential transmission, a racing clutch, and a limited slip ramp/plate differential. Aston's V12 Vantage GT3 also features a semi-automatic paddle shift gear change system mounted on the racer's steering wheel and a carbon fiber propshatft. Unfortunately, Aston did not disclose the performance figures (0-60 mph, top speed) of the new V12 Vantage GT3.
Aston Martin built the V12 Vantage GT3 modular aluminum chassis, which uses aerospace bonding techniques, and comes with a FIA-approved roll cage and a high speed pneumatic jack system for lifting.
The new V12 Vantage GT3 has a shorter wheelbase and has a lowered positioned engine than its predecessor. This, together with the new aerodynamics of the car, result in improved handling and a higher cornering top speed. Aston also worked on improving the derivability of the new
GT3 V12 Vantage. It now comes with ABS and Traction Control systems, as standard.
The aerodynamics kit of the V12 Vantage GT3 includes a new front splitter, an adjustable rear wing made from carbon fiber and optimized bumpers, fenders and sills.
Aston equips the V12 Vantage GT3 with a double wishbone suspension for the front axle and a uniball bearings system for the rear one. The GT3 racer also comes with 2-way adjustable dampers for both front and rear and a lowered ride height.
The Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3 is eligible for racing in the FIA GT3 Championship, ADAC Masters, Nurburgring VLN, Blancpain Endurance Series, British GT, Belcar and Open GT.
Aston Martin will begin testing the new V12 Vantage GT3 in October, before starting to deliver it in early 2012. The Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3 price is set at £298,000 GBP.
Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3 Technical Specifications:
Engine
- Lightweight V12
- Dry sump oil system
- Engine repositioned to optimize weight distribution
- Target power 600 bhp
- Target torque 700 Nm
Transmission
- Xtrac 6 speed sequential transmission
- Racing clutch
- Limited slip ramp/plate differential
- Easily accessible drop gears
- Semi-automatic paddle shift gear change
- Carbon fiber propshaft
Chassis
- Lightweight aluminum chassis
- Steel roll cage to FIA safety standards
- High speed pneumatic jack system
Steering
- Hydraulic power assisted steering
- Quick release steering wheel
Suspension
- Double wishbone suspension arms front and rear with uniball bearings
- 2-way adjustable dampers front and rear
- Optimized geometry for lower race ride height
Fuel system
- 110 liter fuel cell to FIA safety standards
- Twin quick release couplings
- Fuel cell location optimized for performance and safety (behind the driver’s seat, inside the safety roll cage)
Brakes
- 6 pot front calipers
- Ventilated front brake disc
- 4 pot rear caliper
- Ventilated rear brake disc
- Floor mounted pedal box
- Manually adjustable front/rear brake bias
- Adjustable motorsport ABS
Wheels
- 12.5" x 18" front
- 13" x 18" rear
Tires
- Front 30/68-18
- Rear 31/71-18
Cockpit
- Steering wheel mounted controls
- Driver display / data logger / shift lights / beacon
- 6-point safety harness
- Adjustable steering position
- Adjustable seat position
- Adjustable pedal box position
- Light weight battery
- Carbon fiber dash
- Fire extinguisher system
Aerodynamics
- Front splitter
- Adjustable full width carbon fiber rear wing
- Aerodynamically optimized bumpers, fenders and sills
Weight
- Target dry weight 1250kg
