Built around the sporting DNA of the V8 Vantage GTE racecar, the new GT8 is a road-ready sports car that’s backed by the English brand’s powerful 4.7-liter V8. This engine is able to put 440 hp down to the wheels through either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed Sportshift II paddle-shift automatic transmission. Helping to save weight are a few new components, starting off with a new standard-fit lithium ion battery and carbon fiber sports seats. Customers will be able to drop even more weight through the optional carbon fiber roof, polycarbonate rear screen and rear side windows and a titanium exhaust system.
Altogether, the savings equal an impressive 220 pounds “Road cars are our business, but racing is the beating heart of Aston Martin,” said Aston Martin CEO Dr Andy Palmer. “The Vantage GT8 expresses that combination perfectly: an authentic and unashamedly extreme road car that draws directly from our Le Mans racing program to amplify the inherent dynamism that has long made the Vantage such a fine sports car. Beautifully engineered and set-up to be equally at home on a fabulous road or a demanding race track, the Vantage GT8 is a driver’s car in the truest sense of the word.”
April 2016
Photo: Drew Gibson
Those wanting to pick out a Vantage GT8 will have a few things to consider when kitting theirs out. Standard for the wheels are the new five-spoke alloy wheels, with the seven-spoke center-lock magnesium rims as an option. Both wheels are fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. When it comes to the finish, there are three optional “Halo” paint schemes: China Grey with Blue, Stratus White with Green and Stirling Green with Lime. The car will be limited to just 150 examples. Unfortunately, the car will not be available in North America.
PRICE: $234,000 estimated
ENGINE: 4.7-liter V8
HORSEPOWER: 440
TORQUE: 361 lb-ft
0-60 MPH: TBD
TOP SPEED: TBD
TRANSMISSION: 6-speed manual or 7-speed sportshift
April 2016
Photo: Drew Gibson