Aston Martin Racing launches Vantage GT4 replacing N24

Aston Martin Racing has just made available the 2009 specification Aston Martin Vantage GT4 founded on Aston Martin’s latest 4.7 liter Aston Martin V8 Vantage. The latest Vantage GT4 rides on the achievement of its forerunner, the 4.3 liter Vantage N24.

The Aston Martin Vantage GT4 went through development for six months and was revealed in Dubai just this week by the chairman of Aston Martin, David Richards, and tested comprehensively and at length at the Dubai Autodrome.

The vehicle is an advancement of the N24 with the bigger capacity motor being more reactive with improved torque throughout the rev series. The suspension has been retuned to improve handling, plus modified front uprights to give better camber. The 2009 Aston Martin Vantage GT4 also has bigger front brake discs with modified cooling.

“In the last two years, the N24 has proved to be one of the most successful cars in its class; winning the Nurburgring 24 Hours this year, as well as several FIA GT4 races,” David Richards said. “We have built on this success to develop the Aston Martin Vantage GT4, a competitive racing car for professional and semi-professional drivers, but also a forgiving car which will appeal to enthusiasts who wish to use it for track days and club racing.”

The Aston Martin Vantage GT4 is designed to comform to FIA GT4 regulations and is qualified to compete in the following series: FIA GT4 European Cup; British GT4 Championship; Britcar Endurance Series; German GT4 Championship; Dutch Supercar Challenge; Dutch GT4 Championship; VLN Endurance Championship at the Nurburgring; Australian Endurance Championship; the American SCCA Championship; and the Aston Martin Owners Club Race Series.

The Aston Martin Vantage GT4 is built on the current 4.7 liter V8 Vantage and is handcrafted by Aston Martin Racing. The 4.7 liter eight cylinder motor has an engine management system re-attuned for the race track. It is equipped with a free flow exhaust system and air filters, and the standard V8 dry sump lubrication system is preserved, aiding in stopping oil surge during cornering.

The Aston Martin Vantage GT4 is available with either a six speed manual, or a Sportshift transmission with paddle controls. Both models have a Valeo dual-plate cerametallic racing clutch and lightweight flywheel to round off the powertrain specification.

The Aston Martin Vantage GT4 at 1,330 kg is 300 kg less heavy than the standard vehicle. This has been attained via multiple procedures of weight reduction. The inside trim is detached with the exclusion of the facia molding, which is re-trimmed in Alcantara, and the console and door casings are substituted by the latest lightweight moldings.

The chassis has been equipped with an ultra-strong steel roll cage and Recaro competition seats. A suede-trimmed steering wheel with a quick release mechanism is also built-in as standard. The Vantage GT4’s safety properties are rounded off with a Sabelt sixpoint safety harness with a push-button release and Lifeline Zero 360 gas extinguisher system.

The V8 Vantage road car’s suspension has necessitated only minor tweaks for maximum track performance. These consist of larger diameter front and rear anti-roll bars and adaptable ride height aluminum dampers, as well as single rate, flat ground springs with separate assisting springs. The front sub-frame is customized for extra camber and caster. Cast magnesium front and rear wheels are standard fit with high performance Yokohama A048-R rubber. The brakes are upgraded with Pagid RS 29 race pads.

As additional support of the standard V8 Vantage underframe, the dynamic safety systems are directly brought to the Aston Martin Vantage GT4, together with dynamic stability control, traction control, ABS and electronic brakeforce distribution, offering guarantee and improved control in slippery circumstances.

The Aston Martin Vantage GT4 is offered with either a manual or sportshift transmission. It is price tag starts from £96,645 ($143,500 or €113,000)and is offered for order now with shipments early in 2009.