Aston Martin is having a busy day, with the debut of the gorgeous new generation of the Vantage joined by the GT3-spec racing version, and the new AMR24 F1 single-seater for the 2024 season.
The Aston Martin Vantage GT3 made its racing debut last month in Daytona, but the official reveal happened today. The model is described as a “comprehensive evolution” of the outgoing Vantage GT3 and GTE racecars which have been around since 2018, bringing a host of aerodynamic and chassis upgrades. Visual highlights include the sexier nose with the fender-mounted headlights, the boxier fenders with integrated louvers, and the new diffuser complementing the massive wing.
The bonded aluminum chassis structure hiding under the carbon fiber panels is shared with the roadgoing Vantage. The same applies to the twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8, although this one has been tweaked to comply with the FIA GT3 class regulations. The suspension has been significantly revised compared to the outgoing model, to address “some of the old car’s more challenging handling characteristics”. As a result, the new Vantage GT3 is allegedly easier to drive both for professional and amateur drivers.
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Aston Martin Racing’s Head of Performance Gustavo Betelli said: “The focus on the new Vantage GT3 was to increase their performance window and make something that would work at any circuit, on any tire, and with any driver. We also had to work to the new regulations, so this required additional changes.” Betelli admitted that the new racecar is “more stable under braking” and “works its tires much more evenly”, mostly thanks to a more balanced suspension setup.
The new Vantage GT3 marks the first collaboration between Aston Martin Racing (AMR) and Aston Martin Performance Technologies (AMPT). As with its predecessor, it will compete at the forefront of the GT series in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship (IMSA), Fanatec GT World Challenge, European Le Mans Series (ELMS), Nürburgring Langstrecken Serie (NLS), British GT Championship, and Japanese Super GT Championship.
As exhibited at the 24 Hours of Daytona, three examples of the new Vantage GT3 have already been delivered and raced on the track. Aston Martin expects this number to grow to 30 actively racing cars by the end of the 2024 season.
On the Formula 1 front, the company didn’t give away any information about the AMR24 single-seater, which was brought to the Silverstone Circuit for the official photoshoot. The AMR24 will make its racing debut at the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix on March 2, marking the start of the 2024 season. The driver lineup for the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team remains unchanged, with Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll retaining their position behind the wheel following a successful year.
