Aston Martin has released images and details of its most track-focused version of the V8 Vantage yet, called the Vantage GT8.
Following on from the Vantage GT12, which is a hardcore, track-focused version of Aston’s V12 Vantage, the British manufacturer has turned to its V8 Vantage to give it similar treatment.
Inspired by race cars
Benefitting from extensive experience in the GTE, GT3 and GT4 racing categories, the Vantage GT8 has been developed by Aston Martin’s Special Projects and Motorsport division. It is heavily inspired by the Vantage V8 GTE class race cars but remains road-legal.
Moving the Vantage GT8 along is a 4.7-litre naturally-aspirated V8 engine which develops 440bhp. Power can be sent through either a seven-speed Sportshift II automated manual gearbox or a six-speed manual.
The GT8 also features a limited-slip differential to keep the rear tyres in check. Speaking of tyres, the GT8 wears four Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres which are designed primarily for driving on tracks.
Lightest V8 Vantage ever
Aston Martin has also used an extensive amount of carbon fibre parts for the GT8 to keep weight down. The material is used for the likes of the door panels, roof and sports seats. Also featured in the design is a centre-mounted titanium exhaust and polycarbonate rear side windows and windscreen.
A rear spoiler, magnesium paddle shifters and Alcantara trim for the steering wheel are other design highlights.
The result of all the weight saving from the GT8 is that it sheds 100kg off the regular V8 Vantage’s weight. This lightweight Aston Martin track day beast takes just 4.4 seconds to sprint from zero to 60mph and it can hit a top speed of 190mph.
