Aston Martin Racing announces today, the new Vantage GT3 race car based on the V12 Vantage road car, which will be ready for competition in 2012.

The Vantage GT3 will replace the DBRS9, launched in 2006 at Le Mans, and which has since seen 26 chassis built and raced to multiple victories in national and international series across the world most recently winning in the Australian GT at Mount Panorama in October last year and achieving a podium finish at Zolder last week. The new Vantage GT3 joins the Vantage GT2, GT4, DBR9 GT1 and the AMR-One LMP1 to create the largest and most comprehensive range of Aston Martin race cars to date.

Designed to FIA regulations, the Vantage GT3 will be built around the Vantage aluminium VH architecture with a lightweight dry-sumped 6.0 litre V12 engine, based on the V12 Vantage road car. The new car will have a race semi-automatic paddle shift Xtrac gearbox and the latest race-developed ABS and traction control systems, optimised for the Vantage GT3.

John Gaw, Aston Martin Racing Managing Director added: “The DBRS9 has been a very successful GT3 racing car and, despite being more than six years old, is still competitive today.

“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 Racing has set a target weight of 1250kg and target engine performance figures of more than 600bhp and 700Nm. The first car will be completed in July 2011 and will undertake an extensive test and development programme during the rest of the year. Ten customer cars will then be built ready for delivery for the start of the 2012 season.

Aston Martin confirms today the specification of the 2012 Vantage GT3 race car. As the natural successor to the enormously successful DBRS9, the new Vantage GT3 will offer customers the latest in race-car technology to ensure the Vantage GT3 has the credentials to compete with the most recent new product offerings from other manufacturers.

The Vantage GT3 features a modified version of Aston Martin's production 6.0 litre V12 engine found in the marque's highly acclaimed sports cars. The dry-sumped engine is expected to produce 600 bhp with 700 Nm of torque and its position has been optimised further to improve weight balance. A carbon fibre propshaft mates the engine to a Xtrac 6 speed sequential transmission with semi-automatic paddle shift gear change.

The Vantage GT3 benefits from Aston Martin's V/H architecture philosophy, the modular chassis uses aerospace bonding techniques to create a light and immensely stiff aluminium and composite structure which not only aids handling on Aston Martin's road cars but is also an ideal base for competitive race cars.

Most dramatic of all, are the new aerodynamics, contributing to a muscular and purposeful stance while maintaining the overall beauty of the V12 Vantage. The shorter wheel base and lower engine position over its predecessor will contribute to enhanced handling and performance. The new car will also provide enhanced driveability with the latest race-developed ABS and Traction Control systems which are fitted to the V12 Vantage GT3 as standard.

The Vantage GT3 will be eligible for numerous race series around the world including the FIA GT3 Championship, ADAC Masters, Nürburgring VLN, Blancpain Endurance Series, British GT, Belcar and Open GT among others.

Aston Martin remains the only manufacturer to offer a race car for every GT class firmly cementing it as a global forerunner in race car production. The new Vantage GT3 is being developed to replicate and indeed surpass the superb track record of the DBRS9.

Aston Martin has sold 24 DBRS9s and customer teams have accumulated many race podiums and victories over the past six years including 2009 Winner Teams Championship, and Winner Manufacturers Championship for Hexis Racing and as recently as a 2011 GT Open race win at Spa for Villois Racing.

Testing of the new car will commence in October, where the Vantage GT3 will undergo a comprehensive sign-off durability test including a 10,000 km test programme. Deliveries of the first cars will commence in early 2012. Prices start from £298,000.


V12 Vantage GT3 Specification

Engine
- Lightweight V12
- Dry sump oil system
- Engine repositioned to optimise 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 fibre propshaft

Chassis
- Lightweight aluminium 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
- Optimsed geometry for lower race ride height

Fuel system
- 110 litre fuel cell to FIA safety standards
- Twin quick release couplings
- Fuel cell location optimised 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

Tyres
- 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 fibre dash
- Fire extinguisher system

Aerodynamics
- Front splitter
- Adjustable full width carbon fibre rear wing
- Aerodynamically optimised bumpers, fenders and sills

Weight
- Target dry weight 1250kg

The Porsche 911 GT3 is an icon, incontrovertibly. It’s a benchmark for many, even though it rarely tops a results list in any particular dimension. But is it really the Only Possible GT3? Apparently so.

Aston Martin’s latest delicious slice of Forbidden Fruit, the Vantage GT3 road car, was unveiled just a couple of weeks ago in Geneva. Now, it’s no longer the Vantage GT3, reports the Goodwood Road & Racing blog.

It’s the Vantage GT12. And it’s Porsche’s fault.

Yes, 1 + 2 still equals 3, but the GT12 is a much less wieldy name. One Aston Martin didn’t choose initially for obvious reasons.

According to Porsche, however, "GT3" is not obviously a racing class in which numerous manufacturers compete. Nor is it obvious, to Porsche, that several cars used the GT3 badge before the 911.

However un-obvious the matter may be, Porsche has prevailed--in a way.

Motor Authority reached out to Aston Martin’s public relations manager for the Americas, Matthew Clarke, to verify the reports, and it’s true. Why the easy capitulation on what seems like a very reasonable name choice?

“[R]ather than distract ourselves having a naming disagreement with Porsche,” said Clarke, “we would prefer to focus our energy and investment on the car and on making sure our customers receive the best possible Aston Martin.”

The racing car will also wear the GT12 badge going forward.