Aston Martin Unveils Upgraded Vantage GT3 Racer Alongside New Vantage Road Car
ICARO Media Group
Aston Martin has officially revealed its 2024 Vantage GT3, marking the first race car developed through a collaboration between Aston Martin Performance Technologies and Aston Martin Racing. This latest version of the Vantage GT3 is an evolution of the previous-generation model that was introduced in 2018 and has undergone extensive development since autumn 2022, including track testing starting in Q3 of last year.
One of the significant advantages of this evolution is that current Vantage GT3 owners have the option to upgrade their existing cars, in addition to new customers who can purchase brand-new ones. The British automaker aims to deliver 30 of the new Vantage GT3s to customers by the end of this year, as stated by Adam Carter, the head of endurance motorsport at Aston Martin.
Carter revealed that initially, 10 of the new cars will be competing in races, with the remaining deliveries scheduled throughout the year. The strategy includes prioritizing deliveries according to when championships begin to ensure maximum coverage across different racing markets. Aston Martin has already seen strong interest from various regions, indicating a positive growth trajectory for the GT3 market.
The debut of the Vantage GT3 on race grids worldwide is of great importance to Aston Martin. The company has received entries into the FIA World Endurance Championship, a championship where Aston Martin has had a longstanding successful presence. Additionally, Aston Martin's participation in IMSA, the renowned and technologically advanced race series in the US, further solidifies the brand's commitment to showcasing its vehicles in competitive environments.
During testing, the Vantage GT3 received positive feedback from both professional drivers and customers, who collectively covered over 12,500 kilometers, including 30-hour endurance tests at various tracks in Europe. The new model addresses previous shortcomings by focusing on drivability and serviceability. Changes include updated front and rear suspension geometry, improved aerodynamics, enhanced throttle pedal setup, and more efficient driver controls, brakes, and brake cooling.
To align with current GT3 racing trends, the Vantage GT3 incorporates quick-change clamshell front and rear clips, allowing for fast adjustments to the wing angle. Aston Martin has meticulously reworked approximately 85 sub-components and sub-assemblies across the car. Notably, the engine, transmission, and gearbox remain unchanged from the previous Vantage GT3 model, although the road car version of the Vantage will feature a revised engine.
The objective of the new Vantage GT3 is to provide a wider setup window, particularly for amateur drivers who often faced challenges with its predecessor. Aston Martin aims to create a pro/am market for the GT3 segment and prioritize drivability and confidence-inspiring performance, both characteristics already associated with Aston Martin's road cars. By addressing the shortcomings of the previous GT3 model and aligning with LMGT3 regulations, Aston Martin aims to elevate the overall racing experience.
With the unveiling of the new Vantage GT3 alongside the brand-new Vantage road car, Aston Martin showcases its commitment to excellence and performance across both the road and race car segments. Motorsport enthusiasts can expect to witness the new Vantage GT3 in action across various championships, including the FIA World Endurance Championship and IMSA, as Aston Martin strives to grow and strengthen its presence in the GT3 market.