Taking over where the DBRS9 left off.
The newest addition to the large Aston Martin racing lineup and younger sibling to the Vantage Zagato is the V12 Vantage GT3. The new racecar looks to build upon the success of the Aston Martin racing program and offer the latest racing technology to customers.
Underneath the ventilated hood of the GT3 racecar sits a modified and upgraded version of the 6.0-liter engine found in the road going Aston Martin V12 Vantage. However, the upgraded engine boasts significantly more power than the production model. The goal Aston Martin set out to achieve was 600 bhp and a hefty 516 lb-ft. of torque. The engine also sits lower in the chassis thanks to a new dry-sump oil system, allowing for proper lubrication at under intense lateral forces and better handling. Power is transferred to each of the rear wheels via carbon fiber propshaft and an Xtrac six-speed sequential semi-automatic transmission with paddle shifters.
Much of the new V12 Vantage GT3 improves upon the successful aspects of the DBRS9. The chassis is made of aluminum and composite bonded together using aerospace techniques for added stiffness. The aerodynamics has also been updated and can generate even greater amounts of downforce if needed. The wheelbase has shrunk, the engine is located at a lower point, and new racing developed ABS and traction control systems now come standard on the new racecar.
The addition of the new V12 Vantage GT3 allows Aston Martin to remain the only automotive manufacturer to have a race car available for every GT classification. The new Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3 will undergo testing in October that includes a 10,000 km driving program. Each car will be available to customers for £298,000 (+/- 492,000 USD) with deliveries starting at the beginning of 2012.
Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3 Specifications
Engine:
Displacement: 6.0 liters
Number of Cylinders: V-12
Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
Lubrication: Dry-sump
Target Horsepower: 600 bhp
Target Torque: 516 lb-ft. (700 Nm)
Transmission:
Type: Xtrac 6 speed sequential with paddle shifters
Clutch: Race-spec
Differential: Limited slip ramp/plate differential
Propshaft: Carbon fiber
Chassis:
-Lightweight aluminum chassis
-Steel roll cage to FIA safety standards
-High speed pneumatic jack system
Steering:
-Hydraulic power assisted steering
-Quick release steering wheel
Suspension:
-Double wishbone suspension arms front and rear with uniball bearings
-2-way adjustable dampers front and rear
-Optimized geometry for lower race ride height
Fuel system:
-110 liter fuel cell to FIA safety standards
-Twin quick release couplings
– Target Dry Weight 1250kg (2750 lbs)
-Fuel cell location optimized for performance and safety (behind the driver’s seat, inside the safety roll cage)
Brakes:
-6 piston front calipers
-Ventilated front brake disc
-4 piston rear caliper
-Ventilated rear brake disc
-Floor mounted pedal box
-Manually adjustable front/rear brake bias
-Adjustable motorsport ABS
Wheels and Tires:
Front Wheels: 12.5 x 18
Rear Wheels: 13 x 18
Front Tires: 30/68-18
Rear Tires: 31/71-18
Cockpit:
-Steering wheel mounted controls
-Driver display / data logger / shift lights / beacon
-6-point safety harness
-Adjustable steering position
-Adjustable seat position
-Adjustable pedal box position
-Light weight battery
-Carbon fibred dash
-Fire extinguisher system
Aerodynamics:
-Front splitter
-Adjustable full width carbon fiber rear wing
-Aerodynamically optimized bumpers, fenders and sills
Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3 Gallery
[Source: Aston Martin]
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