Automobiles Review

Tag: GT4

  • 2012 Aston Martin Vantage GT4

    Aston Martin will reveal the new 2012 Vantage GT4 at the Geneva Motor Show, next week. The revised sports car features an all-new aerodynamic package plus further improvements to the rollcage and fuel tank.

    The aerodynamic package includes a carbon fibre rear wing, which generates a lot of downforce, especially combined with a new larger front splitter.

    The re-designed rollcage conforms to the latest FIA regulations and improves access and legroom.

    Last improvement is the mid-mounted, 115-litre fuel tank, which lowers the centre of gravity and helps for better weight distribution. The fuel tank has twin quick-fill entries in the rear quarter.

    The Vantage GT4 is powered by a 4.7 litre V8 with 436PS (321 kW) at 7300RPM and 490Nm (361 lb-ft) at 5000RPM.

    The price is £119 500.

    “We have taken the opportunity to make some quite dramatic aerodynamic enhancements to the Vantage GT4, which will close the performance gap between this entry level GT car and the GT3.  We have also fitted the car with the same roll cage and fuel tank configuration that’s found in the Vantage GT3 and GTE. We are about to sell our 100th Vantage GT4 and since its launch it has been one of the most successful cars in its class; the Vantage GT4 and its predecessor, the Vantage N24, scored many 24 Hour race class victories, the 2010 European GT4 Cup title and also back-to-back championship victories in the Nürburgring VLN series in 2010 and 2011.”, said John Gaw, Managing Director of Aston Martin Racing.

    “The revised version has very large boots to fill, but given the effort we’ve put into developing the upgrades and following a successful first outing, we’re very confident that the 2012 Vantage GT4 will pick up where its predecessor left off.”, he added.

    2012 Aston Martin Vantage GT4
    2012 Aston Martin Vantage GT4
    2012-aston-martin-vantage-gt4-01
    2012-aston-martin-vantage-gt4-02
    2012 Aston Martin Vantage GT4

    Source: Aston Martin

  • Aston Martin Vantage V8 GT4 to Appear at CTSCC

    Aston Martin Racing, jointly with Multimatic Motorsports, intend to continue their winning streak with this year’s Grand-Am Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge (CTSCC). The Toronto-based Multimatic company is no stranger to  CTSCC previous titles and so, racing one of the two team Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT4s will be Multimatic’s acclaimed drivers Scott Maxwell and Joe Foster. The other one will be driven by Hollywood film star Patrick Dempsey, a talented racer in his own right, partnered in the opening round of the series by Aston Martin Chief Engineer and greatly experienced Vantage GT4 racer Chris Porritt.

    This is not the first time Aston Martin and Multimatic seen in cooperation on a common project. The Canadian firm helped develop the Aston One-77’s carbon fibre chassis and various carbon fibre components for the Aston Martin Zagato. They also have a four-post testing rig based in the UK that has been used on many occasions by road going and racing Astons.

    The Vantage GT4 was first seen back in 2006 when, almost in stock condition, forged its name at the Nurburgring 24h race. Up to this day the car has not changed a lot – it still has the standard 4.7l V8, the same road car aluminium chassis with its suspension and a manual transmission. It all sounds very crude but with a reputation of reliability and numerous wins on endurance races, the Aston V8 Vantage is not to be taken lightly. It has been tuned specially to deviate from the FIA standard to meet the regulations of the Grand-Am challenge and with service provided by Multimatic it is ready to go.

    Aston Martin Vantage V8 GT4
    Aston Martin Vantage V8 GT4

    The CTSCC is run by the Grand American Road Racing Organization. Some of North America’s most iconic circuits will see action this year with over ten races which last for two and a half hours each. The challenge starts on the 27th of January at the Daytona International Speedway where the Aston will be competing in the Grand Sport category that consists of six- and eight-cylinder, production-based cars. Other notable circuits include Watkins Glen International, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Laguna Seca, and the Lime Rock Park in Connecticut which will be the conclusive race at the end of September.

    Source: Aston Martin

  • Nissan to Dominate Dubai 24h Hour Race

    After an amazing season last year, Nissan are ready to stun the racing world again, beginning with the Dubai 24h race. They have a new GT-R Nismo GT-3 lined up and ready to take on the A6 category. The team that will be performing there consists of four drivers – Michael Krumm (GER), Tom Kimber-Smith (UK), Franck Mailleux (FRA) and Alex Buncombe (UK). They have many titles behind their backs some of which include the Le Mans Series LMP2 , the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup LMP2 and the Blancpain Endurance Series’ GT4 crown. So this year’s car truly has the task of crossing the finish line with royalty inside and it is rightfully named as the “Champion’s car”

    “2011 was a great year for Nissan and I am very much looking forward to racing the new GT3 car in Dubai,” commented Krumm. “The Nissan GT-R took us all the way to the top in 2011 so I hope we can have a good race with the new car. It’s great to celebrate a successful 2011 for Nissan and I’m excited to see how the GT Academy guys get on in the ‘All-Gamer’ car.”

    In that last bit he is talking about the first all-gamer team which is also taking place in the Dubai race. Competing in a Nissan 370Z, will be the winners of the Nissan/Playstation GT academy challenge. They have underwent rigorous training to meet the standards of a demanding race such as this one. The team comprises of two new-comers: Jann Mardenborough (UK) and Bryan Heitkotter (USA) along with the previous season One and Two winners: Lucas Ordonez (ESP) and Jordan Tresson (FRA).

    Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3
    Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3

    A third Nissan (again a 370Z) will also be participating in next week’s race as Humaid Al Masaood (UAE), Richard Meaden (UK) and Tetsuya Tanaka (JAP) will also be representing RJN motorsport

    “I have competed successfully in the previous two Dubai 24hr with my own team so to be invited to race with Nissan and their three car assault is a great honour and a new challenge,” said Al Masaood. “Although I am now racing in the USA there is something very special about racing in my local 24hr as it is this race that has helped me develop as a driver. I am looking forward to working with Nissan and my co-drivers and hopefully delivering a great result. It is really encouraging to see Nissan bringing talented young drivers into motorsport through GT Academy and I am keen to see drivers from the Gulf region be given the opportunity to start racing through such a professional programme.”

    Set to start next Friday, the Dubai 24 Hour Race is an endurance race held annually at the Dubai Autodrome. It was first held in 2006 and is considered to be extremely testing for both driver and machine.

    Source: Nissan

  • Sprint Series Toyota Celica GT4 – fastest at the 2011 GoodWood

    The fastest car at the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed is staggering Sprint Series Toyota Celica GT4, which took to course of 1.16 miles in just 48.07 seconds.

    In fact, the Celica had to beat many famous racing cars, including recent Formula 1 cars. The car was driven and built by former British Rally Champion, Jonny Milner. M

    The racing car is based on the sixth generation Celica. It is super-lightweight – 1 050kg. Furthermore, for better weight distribution, the driver’s position has moved back 30cm (12 inches) and the car’s centre of gravity has been lowered by raising the wheel arches and upper suspension mounts. A flat floor and rear diffuser add a degree of ground effect.

    The engine is a 2.0 liter turbocharged from Corolla WRC – 700BHP at 5700RPM at 2bar boost and over 800BHP with nitrous oxide boost. Nice!

    Super soft rallycross specification Michelin slick tyres also played an important role in getting all that horsepower to the ground.

    Sprint Series Toyota Celica GT4
    Sprint Series Toyota Celica GT4

    Sprint Series Toyota Celica GT4 Technical Specs:

    Engine type Corolla WRC four-cylinder, 16-valve
    Displacement (cc) 1,998
    Turbocharger Garrett GT35/42
    Supercharger Rotrex, belt-driven
    Engine management Motec
    Compression ratio 9.7:1
    Max. power (DIN hp @ rpm) 700 @ 5,700 at 2bar boost
    >800 with nitrous oxide boost
    Fuel tank capacity (l) 15
    Weight (kg) 1,050
    Transmission Mactrack 5-speed manual with Fensport triple-plate clutch
    Suspension (front & rear) Reiger Corolla WRC 3-way adjustable dampers,
    Brakes Front 343mm and rear 295mm Corolla WRC ventilated discs with Alcon callipers
    Wheels 18in
    Sprint Series Toyota Celica GT4
    Sprint Series Toyota Celica GT4
    Sprint Series Toyota Celica GT4
    Sprint Series Toyota Celica GT4
    Sprint Series Toyota Celica GT4

    Source: Toyota

  • KTM X-BOW To Make British GT Debut

    Supporters of the British GT will be the first in the UK to see the stunning KTM X-BOW GT4 race car in championship competition this season.

    KTM’s X-BOW service partner for the north-west of England, ABG Motorsport, plans to run a FIA-approved GT4 model in the British GT series this season. (more…)

  • New Performance Options Available for 4.3 litre V8 Vantage

    Following the launch of the new Aston Martin 4.7 V8 Vantage this summer, owners of the original 4.3 litre V8 Vantage are now afforded the choice of a retrospective-fit power enhancement and the hugely popular Sports Pack option. (more…)