After six-year, the Aston Martin DBRS9 about to give way in the paddocks. The V12 Vantage GT3 replacement will arrive in early 2012. It will be a new competitor to Porsche 911 and Mercedes SLS GT3 in the next year. The tests will begin in October. Scheduled to run in 2012, the V12 Vantage GT3 will be aligned in the FIA GT3 by Blancpain Endurance Series and other championships as VLN (Nurburgring) or ADAC Masters.
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.
Testing of the new car will commence in October, where the Aston Martin V12 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.
