Introducing the Aston Martin Vantage GT4: A High-Performance Ride with an 8-Speed Gearbox and 6 Usable Gears

Road Vantage undergoes minor tweaks for ultimate racing performance.

Similar to the recently debuted Aston Martin Vantage GT3 that made its presence known at the Rolex 24 in Daytona, the upcoming Vantage GT4 was also in attendance. But unlike its counterpart, it remained incognito, cleverly concealing certain modifications. However, the time has come for the new Vantage GT4 racing machine to showcase itself in all its glory.

As per regulations set by GT4, race cars must be closely connected to their corresponding production models. This is evident in the latest Vantage designed for racing on the track, as it bears a striking resemblance to its road counterpart. In fact, Aston Martin claims that the Vantage GT4 shares approximately 80% of its mechanical and structural components with the street version. This includes the aluminum chassis, engine, transmission, and the majority of the body panels. You will immediately notice a GT4-specific wing at the rear, alongside a sizable splitter at the front and a hood with ventilation for improved air circulation. According to Aston Martin, these modifications enhance downforce and decrease drag when compared to the previous Vantage GT4.

When discussing air circulation, there are several advantages to using a bigger radiator for enhanced cooling. Additionally, the brakes receive a greater amount of airflow. They are positioned behind 18-inch wheels, which is a considerable decrease from the 21-inch ones used on the street version. Surprisingly, the Vantage GT4 appears more visually appealing with these smaller wheels – appearing sleeker and slightly more aggressive. However, it must be acknowledged that the overall modifications to the aerodynamics may be influencing our perspective.

Beneath the surface, the GT4 remains largely unchanged. Its suspension now boasts adaptable dampers and increased flexibility for camber adjustments. While there are no reported updates to the 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, it is controlled by a specialized Bosch Motorsport racing ECU. Aston Martin has implemented a custom tune for the engine, similar to the one applied to the eight-speed automatic transmission. Although there are still eight gears in the transmission, a programmed remap restricts access to the top two and eliminates automatic shifting. The remaining six gears can be manually operated using paddles on the steering wheel.

The most significant transformations occur in the cockpit, which has been completely revamped for racing. Traditional instruments have been replaced with sleek digital displays, and the luxurious center console has been removed and replaced with a lightweight carbon fiber compartment housing a variety of controls. While the roll cage and fire suppression systems are necessary for race regulations, the rest of the vehicle remains similar to the Aston Martin Vantage available at your nearby dealership.

According to Adam Carger, Aston Martin’s head of endurance motorsport, “The new Vantage GT4 is essentially a progression of its predecessor.” This statement highlights the continuous development and refinement of the car. Carger also emphasizes the close connection between Aston Martin’s road and race car programs, which has allowed the AMR team to take advantage of the enhancements made to the new Vantage road car. This has resulted in a faster and more efficient GT4, while still maintaining the key characteristics that made the previous model a favorite among teams and drivers.

After competing at the Daytona race, Aston Martin has been diligently working to fulfill orders from various racing teams. Over 40 Vantage GT4s have been scheduled for production in the current year.

Source: Aston Martin