Thread: 2011 Aston Martin Vantage GT4 (Revised from 2009)

(From Aston Martin Racing Press Release) November 25, 2010, Gaydon.



Aston Martin Racing has launched a new Vantage GT4 for 2011. The new V8 engined racing car takes design inspiration from Aston Martin’s V12 Vantage road car, giving it enhanced aerodynamics and increased downforce. It also has a remapped 4.7 litre engine offering increased levels of power and torque.

As with the current 4.7 litre Vantage GT4, which made its race debut in 2009, the 2011 car is closely based on the V8 Vantage road car with key attributes being carried over including the aluminium chassis, base engine and suspension design. In addition to the engine and aero upgrades, competitors can, for the first time, choose a race-developed Bosch ABS and traction control system. This system has been specifically optimised by Bosch Motorsport for the Vantage GT4 to provide race-enhanced performance in both wet and dry conditions.



The Vantage GT4’s new splitter increases downforce at the front of the car, as well as channelling cooling air to the brakes and radiator. At the rear, the car gains the V12’s larger boot ‘flip’. This works together with a new carbon fibre diffuser and rear underfloor, which create an area of low pressure under the rear of the car, to increase downforce. The redesigned underfloor also channels more air through a new rear-mounted high capacity transmission oil cooler.

Aston Martin Racing has built and sold more than 80 Vantage GT4s to customers around the world in the last two years and it has become the most successful car in its class. In 2010, it won the European GT4 Cup as well as the GT4 class at the Dubai 24 Hours, the Nürburgring 24 Hours and the Spa 24 hours. The car also has its own one-make series, the Aston Martin GT4 Challenge of Great Britain, which was won in its inaugural year by Chris and Ant Scragg. The new Vantage GT4 will be eligible for this Challenge, as well as the European GT4 Cup and all other series with a GT4 class.



(Article from Auto Express U.K.) April 2011

Like all great sports car producers, for Aston Martin the gap between road and race cars is a small one. And the car that bridges that divide is the Vantage GT4.



This is the entry level track model in a range that stretches through the recently announced GT3 Vantage, flagship GT2 version and mighty LMP1 prototype, so the GT4 is designed to be driven by amateur and professional drivers alike.

As with the original N24 and previous 2009 GT4 model it’s closely related to the Vantage road car, but improved aerodynamics and increased power deliver greater performance and added grip.



From behind the wheel, the familiar blue Aston dials and glass start button remain but the stripped out cabin reveals the bonded aluminium chassis that lies at the heart of the Vantage.

The lack of soundproofing allows you to fully appreciate the 4.7-litre V8 too, while the amount of acceleration leaves you in no doubt to the cars performance. Once the slick tyres are warm, grip levels allow you to carry speed into the corners and there’s plenty interaction with the road.



The balance between front and rear grip is excellent and the direct steering offers lots of feel. Unlike some GT racers the Vantage gives you the confidence to push straight away. The body feels impressively rigid and body control is excellent, yet there’s a little bit of suppleness to the suspension that road car drivers would recognise.

The latest car features the option of fitting a new Bosch developed traction control system, while fully adjustable dampers are also available. In the UK the new GT4 Challenge gives owners the opportunity to race the Vantage in a one-make series.

Plus with GT4 categories in championships around the world, it’s easy to see how Aston has already managed to sell 90 GT4’s and original N24 race cars since their debut in 2005.

what a beast