After some safety issues, a number of recalls and the gobsmacking awful Lagonda Taraf, 007’s favorite car brand is now rolling out a new model. And in true Aston Martin spirit, it’s not really new, but a variation of a model that started production 10 years ago.
The British automaker posted a teaser image and video on its social media accounts, joined by a cryptic message that goes like “Coming soon... Geneva 2015.” It’s no doubt the mystery machine is based on the road-going Vantage and will take the Vantage GT3 moniker, but what else is there to talk about?
Yup, nada! Absolutely nothing. We’re told the motorsport-inspired GT3 is going to arrive at the Geneva Motor Show this March, but there’s no mention on what’s under the FIA GT1-like hood or what is the deal with the enormous lower radiator grille, intakes on the sides of the front bumper and that aggressive GT3-spec wing that dominates the rear of this British bruiser. What about firepower?
Our two cents go on a 5.9 V12, but not the 500 hp mill that animates the V12 Vantage GT3 racecar
We’re 99 percent certain that the six-speed sequential gearbox and twin plate AP racing clutch won’t be offered on the upcoming 2015 Aston Martin Vantage GT3 as well. Those would affect drivability a lot.
Alas, don’t expect anything more from this bugger than for it to be a V12 Vantage S with no radio, carpets or air con. Think of the soon-to-be-released Vantage GT3 as a lightweight V12 Vantage S.
Therefore, we estimate that the curb weight will drop from 1,665 kilograms (3,670 lbs) to at least 1,565 kg (3,450 lbs), while the 565 horsepower vee twelve motor will be carried pretty much unmolested.
Editor’s note: do you really want an AM with a hard ride and no air conditioning, do you really now?
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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