Aston Martin has announced its Vantage GT8, a lightweight, special edition unit done in the same vein as the GT12 (known as the GT3 when first unveiled). Inspired and influenced by the 2016 V8 Vantage GTE racer, the GT8 rolls in as the lightest and most powerful V8 Vantage ever.
Power output is up, as expected. Power from the 4.7 litre V8 is now 466 PS, a bump of 40 PS over the base Vantage V8‘s 426 PS. Two transmission options abound, a six-speed manual or seven-speed Sportshift II with paddle shifters.
Like the V12 version, a total of 100 kg has been ditched from the base car, much of the weigh loss achieved through extensive use of carbon fibre – the front splitter, front and rear bumpers, fenders, side sills and rear diffuser are all fashioned from the material.
The stuff also makes it on to the roof, sports seats (with manual adjustment) and door panels, and other lighweight standard-fit items include a lithium ion battery as well as a polycarbonate rear screen and rear side windows. It’s not all stripped bare with this one though, as air-conditioning, a 160 watt audio system and an AMi III infotainment system means the GT8 remains genuinely road-useable.
As standard, the Vantage GT8 is equipped with a new five-spoke alloy wheel, but there’s an option for an ultra-lightweight seven-spoke centre-lock magnesium unit. Also on the options list is an Aero Pack, which adds a large rear wing and additional corner elements to the front splitter.
Three optional ‘Halo‘ paint schemes are available, these being China Grey and Blue, Stratus White and Green as well as Stirling Green and Lime.As reported previously, production will be limited to just 150 examples, with deliveries set to begin in the fourth quarter of the year.
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