Inspired by the 2016 V8 Vantage GTE race car, Aston Martin recently took the covers off their new Vantage GT8. Offering less weight, tonnes of carbon fiber and improved aerodynamics into the plate, the Vantage GT8 is one of the lightest and most powerful V8 Vantage Aston Martin has ever built.
Featuring the company’s revised 4.7-liter V8 engine, the GT8 gains an extra 10BHP over the regular Vantage, giving it 440BHP to roll with. Power is sent to the rear wheels via either a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed Sportshift II automatic. It may not sound like much, but you have to remember that one of the main focuses for the GT8 is its weight.
As it was inspired by the WEC racing car, the GT8 benefits from wider, carbon fiber body panels, a lighter exhaust system with the catalysts removed, and magnesium wheels come as standard. But the weight shedding does not stop there as acrylic plastic windows and a lithium ion battery are available as options. All these weight saving measures makes the GT8 100kgs lighter than the standard car.
To make the GT8 stand up from the other Vantages, it comes with a carbon fiber splitter, front and rear bumper, fenders, side sills and rear diffuser. The cutaway front wheel arch is meant to mimic one on the GTE car, and those who would like to go the extra mile on the aerodynamics can tick the optional Aero Pack box that adds the large rear wing and additional corner elements to the front splitter.
It seems that Aston Martin had done it right for the GT8 as they had sold three-quarters of the car’s 150-unit allocation before it was officially announced. The Aston Martin Vantage GT8 will be priced at £165,000 (RM 919,809) and customers will be able to choose between combinations of China Grey and Blue, Stratus White and Green or Stirling Green and Lime.
