Aston Martin has revealed the track-inspired Vantage GT12 special edition,
which combines the marque's experience from its years in sports car competition.
Equipped with a new iteration of the brand's 6.0-liter V12 engine which is
capable of generating up to 592 hp, the car weighs in at 220 lb (100 kg) less
than a standard V12 Vantage S.
The Vantage GT12 special edition will make its public debut on 3 March at the
85th Geneva International Motor Show, with first customer
deliveries beginning in the third quarter of 2015.
Vantage GT12: Wider and Lower
Re-engineered and restyled, the GT3-inspired special edition is lower and wider
than any of its siblings in the Vantage family. A broader track - front and rear
- brings even more composed cornering thanks to a reduction in lateral load
transfer, while the use of Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires provides even more
assured handling.
Thoroughly equipped with cutting edge motorsport-inspired features, from the
extensive use of carbon fiber inside and out to the track-focused aerodynamics
pack - which includes a prominent rear wing and pronounced front splitter - the
race-derived new Vantage brings more focused and uncompromising capability to a
road-going Aston Martin.
Aerodynamic Package Helps Produce Greater Downforce
The aerodynamics package has a profound effect, producing
significant downforce to provide even greater levels of grip and stability at
higher speeds.
New flared carbon fiber front wings, carbon fiber bonnet, a lithium ion
race-derived battery, carbon-fiber door casings, optional carbon fiber roof,
optional weight-saving polycarbonate rear window and rear quarter windows are
just a few of the measures which illustrate the engineers' determination to
eliminate mass wherever possible. That determination has paid off, too, as the
new car weighs in at only 3450 lb (1,565 kg).
Inside: Carbon Fiber and Alcantara
The car's interior is comprehensively reworked with a full carbon fiber
center stack and touch-sensitive control array; race-derived carbon fiber sports
seats; Alcantara trim and the option of numerous bespoke features courtesy of
the brand's personalization service.
Titanium Exhaust
Under the skin lie a number of bespoke engineering upgrades, aside from the new
592 hp V12 engine. Magnesium inlet manifolds with revised geometry, a
lightweight magnesium torque tube and a full titanium exhaust system with center
outlets are just a few of the features that underline the rigorous
re-engineering of this exclusive new Vantage.
UPDATE 4/12/2015: Aston Martin has quietly changed the name of this 592-horsepower track-ready sports car from Vantage GT3 to Vantage GT12, following a threat of legal action from Porsche. The German sports car maker wasn't happy with the GT3 moniker so they have contacted their British competitor and requested that they change it. Aston Martin agreed, and thus avoided a long and costly lawsuit.
