The Vantage GT3 was designed as part of a broader motorsport effort that included the Vantage GTE. A notable feature of the platform's engineering is that the car is capable of being converted from Group GTE specification to Group GT3 specification. While the GTE variant was built specifically for the FIA World Endurance Championship, the GT3 model has also competed in that series, recording its first podium of the 2024 season at Interlagos (according to media.astonmartin.com).
While the road-going Vantage was inspired by the track-only Vulcan and the DB10, the GT3 variant was specifically developed to replace the previous V12-powered model in competitive grand touring series. It is built around the same bonded-aluminium platform as the production Vantage and the DB11.
The Vantage GT3 utilizes a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine sourced from Mercedes-AMG. In this racing configuration, the engine has a power output of 542 PS (399 kW; 535 hp) and 516 lb⋅ft (700 N⋅m) of torque.
The powertrain features a quick-shifting Xtrac 6-speed sequential gearbox and an Alcon motorsport multi-plate clutch. The chassis is equipped with Öhlins four-way adjustable dampers, Alcon brakes, and a Bosch anti-lock braking system. The Vantage GT3 has a dry weight of 1,245 kg (2,745 lb).
The Vantage GT3 entered competition in 2019. In addition to the standard GT3 model, Aston Martin introduced the Vantage GT8R in 2020 to compete in the SP8T class. Positioned between the GT3 and GT4 models, the GT8R features a larger rear wing, new dive planes, and a splitter. It debuted at the 2020 24 Hours of Nürburgring with a power output of 557 PS (410 kW; 549 hp) and a kerb weight of 1,450 kg (3,197 lb).
The Vantage platform has also been utilized for international touring car racing. The Aston Martin Vantage DTM was constructed as a "Class 1" touring car for the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters. Developed through a partnership between HWA AG, R-Motorsport, and Aston Martin, the car made its debut in the 2019 DTM season, replacing the entry previously held by Mercedes-Benz.
Furthermore, the V8 Vantage has served in official support roles. In early 2021, a modified version became the official safety car of Formula One, featuring a British Racing Green livery with neon yellow accents. This vehicle made its debut at the 2021 Bahrain Grand Prix.
Following a significant rework of the road-going Vantage for the 2025 model year, an all-new Vantage GT3 was unveiled on 12 February 2024. This updated version was also made available as an "evo kit" for the 2019 model, allowing existing chassis to be upgraded to the new specification.
The evolution of the Vantage platform continued into 2025 with the introduction of the Vantage S in July. This more powerful variant, producing 680 PS (500 kW; 671 hp), replaced the previous Vantage as the Formula One safety car in mid-2025. Additionally, a new Vantage GT4 based on the 2025 model year was introduced in 2024 to replace the original GT4 model that had debuted in 2019.
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