ROAD STAR CAR: Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT4 2011 Review Specification

Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT4

Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT4. Aston Martin Racing has released the 2009 specification Vantage GT4 based on Aston Martin’s new 4.7 litre V8 Vantage. The new Vantage GT4 builds on the success of its predecessor, the 4.3 litre Vantage N24.

“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,” said David Richards. “We have built on this success to develop the 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 Vantage GT4 is built to FIA GT4 regulations and is eligible 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 Vantage GT4 comes with either a manual transmission or sportshift transmission. It is priced from £96,645 and is available to order now with delivery in January 2009.

Aston Martin Racing is now the only manufacturer to produce cars in each of the GT classes: GT1, GT2, GT3 and GT4.

The GT4 is based on the latest 4.7 litre V8 Vantage and is hand built by Aston Martin Racing.

The 4.7 litre eight cylinder engine has an engine management system recalibrated for race use. It also has a free flow exhaust system and air filters, and the standard V8 dry sump lubrication system is retained, helping to prevent oil surge during cornering.

Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT4

The Vantage GT4 can be supplied with either a six speed manual, or a Sportshift transmission with paddle controls. Both versions have a Valeo twin-plate cerametallic racing clutch and lightweight flywheel to complete the powertrain specification.

At 1,330 kg the Vantage GT4 is 300 kg lighter than the standard car. This has been achieved through a range of weight reduction measures. The interior trim is removed with the exception of the facia moulding, which is re-trimmed in Alcantara, and the console and door casings are replaced by new lightweight mouldings.

The chassis has been fitted with a high-strength steel rollcage and Recaro competition seats. A suede-trimmed steering wheel with a quick release mechanism is also fitted as standard. The Vantage GT4’s safety features are completed 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 required only minor adjustments for optimal track performance. These include larger diameter front and rear anti-roll bars and adjustable ride height aluminium dampers, as well as single rate, flat ground springs with separate helper springs. The front subframe is modified for extra camber and castor. Cast magnesium front and rear wheels are standard fit with high performance Yokohama A048-R tyres. The brakes are uprated with Pagid RS 29 race pads.

As further endorsement of the standard V8 Vantage underframe, the active safety systems are directly carried over to the Vantage GT4, including: dynamic stability control, traction control, ABS and electronic brakeforce distribution, providing reassurance and enhanced control in slippery conditions.

Specification of Aston Martin Vantage GT4:

Engine & Transmission

· Aston Martin Racing 4.7 litre V8 GT4 engine
· ITG cylindrical foam air filters
· Reduced cell density primary catalysts
· Revised engine calibration (97 RON fuel)
· EGR and secondary air system removed
· Simplified oil breather system with catch tank
· Weight-reduced rear muffler without by-pass valves
· FIA-approved ATL bag type fuel tank with twin fuel pumps – 100 litre (22 gallon) capacity
· Standard six-speed manual transmission or Sportshift (ASM) transmission – fitted with breather catch tank Valeo twin-plate cerametallic clutch (215 mm) with lightweight flywheel

Chassis

· FIA approved full rollcage in 40 mm x 1.5 mm 15CDV6 high-strength steel
· Preparation for pneumatic jacks incorporating tapping plates
· Motorsport towing eyes
· Polycarbonate side and rear windows
· Re-styled side sill with exposed carbon fibre rib
· Quick-release bonnet/tail safety latching with hinges retained
· Lightweight aluminium side strakes

Suspension

· Single-rate, flat ground, 2.5 in ID Eibach springs with separate helper springs
· Stiffened front and rear anti-roll bars
· Bilstein suspension, adjustable ride height, aluminium dampers
· Front subframe modified for extra camber and castor

Wheels & Tyres

· Front - 10 in x 18 in cast magnesium
· Rear - 11 in x 18 in cast magnesium

Braking System

· Standard radial-mounted four-piston monoblock calipers fitted with high-performance Pagid RS 29 race pads
· Updated two-piece front brake discs
· Front cooling ducts to enhance brake cooling

Electrical

· Reduced weight and optimised route wiring harness
· Optima gel lightweight battery
· Battery cut-off relay
· New switch panel mounted in centre console incorporating re-settable circuit breakers for each fuel pump, extinguisher button, battery cut-off button, heater controls, mirror switch and toggle switches for fog lights, hazard lights, traction control and heated front screen
· Panel graphics illuminated by electroluminescent film

Interior

· Recaro competition shell seat embroidered with Aston Martin logo
· Sabelt six-point safety harness – push-button release
· FIA compliant Lifeline Zero 360 plumbed-in extinguisher system (gas) – four engine bay and two interior nozzles
· Raised driver ’s footrest
· New simple door casings moulded in ‘Twintex’ for weight saving and compatibility with rollcage
· Weight-reduced facia, trimmed in Alcantara
· Shortened one-piece carbon fibre centre console
· Quick-release, suede-trimmed steering wheel

Options

· Two-way adjustable dampers
· Passenger seat and safety harness
· Dry break fuel filler
· Dual fuel filler
· HANS seat and safety harness
· Air jacks including lance
· Pair of GT4 xenon spot lights
· Endurance fuel tank - 120 litre capacity
· Pi Clubman display & datalogger
· Shift light (only available with Pi Clubman)
· Rear rain light
· Air conditioning

Dimensions

· Length 172.5 in (4,380 mm)
· Width 73.5 in (1,865 mm) (excluding mirrors)
· 80 in (2,025 mm) (including mirrors)
· Height 47.5 in (1,210 mm)
· Wheelbase 102.5 in (2,600 mm)
· Front track 62.2 in (1,580 mm)
· Rear track 62.6 in (1,590 mm)
· Kerb weight 1,350 kg (excluding fuel)
· Fuel tank size 100 litre