Following the reveal of the latest Vantage model, Aston Martin has unveiled the racing version of the two-seater sports car.
Called the Vantage GTE, it complies with the FIA’s racing regulations in terms of aerodynamic and powertrain design – with Aston Martin adding a meaner character to the compact sports car.
Engineered by Aston Martin Racing based in Banbury, Oxfordshire, the GTE has had more than 8,000 miles of testing, including two 30-hour tests at the Spanish circuit Navarra and track time at the Sebring Raceway in Florida.
To ensure the racing version stays true to the road-going model, AMR has fettled the Mercedes-AMG-sourced, turbocharged V8 engine so that it can keep up with the demands of long-distance racing.
It has a big reputation to live up to, as the previous version of the V8 Vantage GTE won 37 races in its tenure – including two class victories at the world-famous Le Mans 24-Hour race.
David King, president of Aston Martin Racing, said: “Motorsport is fundamental to the DNA of Aston Martin and our commitment to the FIA World Endurance Championship is stronger than ever.
“This is a golden era for GT racing and today’s launch of the new Vantage GTE wil ensure that Aston Martin Racing remains at the forefront of the world’s greatest endurance series. The team has enjoyed incredible success over recent years with the outgoing V8 Vantage GTE and while this will hold fond memories for me, I can’t wait to see the new car race in anger at Spa-Francorchamps [the Belgian race circuit] next year and continue to write motorsport history.”
Aston Martin Racing technical director Dan Sayers added: “Designing and developing this new car has been an extremely satisfying process. We’ve collaborated closely with Aston Martin’s Gaydon headquarters to develop the road and race cars in parallel.
“We’ve spent every second optimising the design right until the build of our test car, which has paid dividends during our current testing schedule. This project has been one of the most intensive but also rewarding of my career so far.”