Aston Martin reveals new Vantage GT3 racer

The next phase of Aston Martin GT racing is here with the new Vantage GT3 released alongside the road car.

The new Vantage GT3 which is the first production of the new collaboration between Aston Martin Racing and Aston Martin Performance Technologies, will compete all over the world at the FIA World Endurance Championship, IMSA SportsCar Championship and GT World Challenge.

It follows in the footsteps of the Vantage GT3, which raced for over a decade between 2012 and 2023 and collected 52 class wins and 11 world titles.

The new Vantage has already gone racing, albeit secretly but has now been formally revealed to the world.

Changes to the new Vantage GT3 which has been described as a “comprehensive evolution” include re-worked aerodynamics on the carbon fibre bodywork and revised optimised geometry double wishbone suspension.

It is powered by a 4 litre V8 Twin-Turbo and built around a bonded aluminium chassis structure, weighing at 1265kg.

Global Chief Brand and Commercial Officer of Aston Martin Marco Mattiacci said the company has tapped into its Formula 1 knowledge when producing the Vantage GT3.

“Simultaneously revealing the new Vantage and Vantage GT3 race car underlines Aston Martin’s commitment to building the world’s finest sports car, and then proving its capabilities on-track,” he said.

“It also signals a closer relationship between our road and race programmes, with Aston Martin Racing benefitting from the exceptional pool of talent, experience and knowledge forged in Formula 1 and found throughout Aston Martin Performance Technologies.

“The result is a truly state-of-the-art GT racer; one that clearly shares its DNA with the latest Vantage road car, yet is perfectly evolved to suit the latest GT3 regulations.

“Descended from a succession of multiple world championship-winning predecessors, the new Vantage GT3 is proving irresistible to an impressive international roster of leading GT racing teams. 

“Hungry for victory and poised to build upon Aston Martin’s extraordinary track record, the world’s greatest endurance races are firmly in the Vantage GT3’s sights.”

To get the new Vantage GT3 race ready, an extensive development programme including a 30-hour test took place late last year.

Lead engineer on the GT3 programme, Aston Martin Racing’s Head of Performance Gustavo Betelli said there was a big focus on braking stability.

“These new generation GT3 cars are more dependent than ever on aerodynamic downforce, so we wanted to make the car more stable under braking,” he said. 

“The old car would dive a lot under braking, so we had to try and control the pitch with the rear suspension set-up. 

“But this meant it was stiff, which made it quite snappy and, also over-worked the tyres. Working heavily on damper tuning, we have found a much better balance with the new car so we can generate the downforce without compromising the suspension set-up. 

“The result is much-improved progression and greater stability in all conditions. It also works its tyres much more evenly, so teams have more options on strategy. “The feedback from drivers who’ve tested it has been overwhelmingly positive.”

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