What happens, when you put 600BHP V12 engine in 1250kg car? The answer is very simple – it happens something really good and nice to drive and in this case to watch.
Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3 is not only extremely fast race car, but it is incredibly beautiful, too. The tests of the vehicle has just began and the racing team has already covered almost 1000 kilometres in just two days. The majority of the mileage was conducted by factory driver Darren Turner.
“The car ran like clockwork throughout and we’ve managed really good mileage already. The feeling of the V12 Vantage GT3 is a massive step forward from the DBRS9. Being based on the smaller Vantage it is more responsive and feels more nimble, giving the driver plenty of confidence to extract all the performance from the V12 engine while also being light on its tyres. It isn’t too physical to drive and I didn’t even break into a sweat during the test!”, said mr. Turner, after two days behind the wheel.
“With the clean styling and the amazing sounding V12, it’s closer to the core values of Aston Martin’s road cars than any of the racing cars we’ve ever built. I’m certain it’ll become a favourite among motorsport fans in no time at all.”, he added.
The V12 Vantage GT3 is a direct replacement for the Aston Martin DBRS9, which first competed in 2006 and went on to score many race and championship wins including the 2007 British GT Championship and the 2009 FIA GT3 Teams’ Championship.
The engine is the most staggering element in the V12 Vantage GT3. It is 6.0 liter twelve-cylinder naturally aspirated monster with 600BHP (445 kW) and 700Nm (517 lb-ft) of torque. All that power is sent to the limited slip differential at the rear wheels through Xtrac 6-speed sequential transmission.
Aston Martin Racing will continue with the V12 Vantage GT3’s comprehensive testing programme into the New Year and beyond.
You can check the full specs, below!
Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3 Specs:
- Engine
Lightweight V12
Dry sump oil system
Power >600bhp
Torque >700Nm
- Transmission
Xtrac 6 speed sequential transmission with semi-auto gear change
Limited slip ramp/plate differential
Carbon fibre propshaft
- Chassis
Lightweight aluminium chassis
Steel roll cage to FIA safety standards
High speed pneumatic jack system
- Suspension
Double wishbone with uniball bearings
2-way adjustable dampers front and rear
Optimised geometry for lower race ride height
- Steering
Hydraulic power assisted steering
- Fuel system
110-litre fuel cell to FIA safety standards
Twin quick release couplings
- Brakes
6 pot front & 4 pot rear calipers with ventilated steel discs
Manually adjustable front/rear brake bias
Adjustable motorsport ABS and traction control
- Wheels & Tyres
Front 12.5” x 18” 30/68-18
Rear 13” x 18” 31/71-18
- Cockpit
Six-point safety harness
Adjustable seat & pedal box position
Lightweight battery
Carbon fibre dash
Fire extinguisher system
Driver display and shift lights
- Body & Aero
Removable carbon-fibre body panels & aluminium roof
Front splitter
Adjustable full width carbon fibre rear wing
Aerodynamically optimised bumpers, side sills and rear fenders
- Weight
Dry weight 1250kg
Source: Aston Martin
Aston Martin Racing has released a new, 2011 version of its staggering racing ride Aston Martin Vantage GT4. Inspired by the sleek V12 Vantage road car, the 2011 Vantage GT4 showcases optimized aerodynamics, increased downforce, as well as a specially remapped 4.7-liters powerplant, which along with the aluminum chassis and suspension design is borrowed from the V8 Vantage road car. 
Aston Martin has unveiled two special edition models – DBS Carbon Black and V12 Vantage Carbon Black. Based on the more than successful DBS and V12 Vantage sport vehicles, both newcomers benefits from a Carbon Black metallic paint with subtle metallic twist, special Carbon Fibre exterior add-ons and fresh interior enhancements. 
Aston Martin have today confirmed they will use the 2009 London Motorexpo as the platform for the UK debut of both their V12 Vantage and DBS Volante – following the world premieres of both vehicles earlier this year at the Geneva Motor Show.