The Vantage GTE is a development of the Vantage GT2, with significant improvements to all areas including the engine, drivetrain and suspension. Carrying the iconic Gulf colours, the new car will make its competitive debut at round one of the FIA World Endurance Championship, the 60th anniversary edition of the 12 Hours of Sebring, on March 17th. The driver line-up has been confirmed as Darren Turner (GBR), Stefan Mücke (D) and Adrian Fernandez (MX).

At the heart of the Vantage GTE is the road-going Aston Martin V8 Vantage. The GTE is a significantly updated version of the original GT2 car and has been specifically designed to compete in championships running to the Automobile Club De L’Ouest GTE regulations. Under the bonnet, the engine is based on the standard Aston Martin V8, but with competition components including cylinder heads, connecting rods, valves, camshafts and a racing exhaust system. As in the road car, the transmission is mid-rear mounted, but with a six-speed semi-automatic sequential transmission and competition clutch. The transmission also has a dedicated oil/air cooling system.

The bonded aluminium structure is taken directly from the V8 Vantage road car. Into this, Aston Martin Racing integrates an aerospace specification steel roll cage built to FIA standards. With the exception of the roof, the bodywork is manufactured from lightweight carbon fibre and features an advanced aerodynamic package with carbon fibre splitter, flat floor and diffuser, and a carbon fibre rear wing designed using the latest computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques. The Vantage GTE retains the road car’s double wishbone suspension layout at the front and rear, but with bespoke wishbones and coil springs over Koni adjustable aluminium bodied dampers. Powerful but lightweight six-piston Brembo racing calipers are fitted to the front axle with similar four-piston calipers at the rear.

ENGINE

• 4.5 litre V8 in 90 degree configuration with all aluminium cylinder block and heads
• Four valves per cylinder
• Dry sump lubrication
• Racing exhaust system
• Pectel MQ12 engine control unit

WHEELS & TIRES

• TWS Forged - Aluminium Centrelock Wheels
• Front – 12.5” x 18”
• Rear - 13” x 18”
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System

TRANSMISSION

• Mid rear mounted trans axle
• Six Speed Sequential Xtrac Transmission
• Air/oil Cooled
• Competition Triple Plate Clutch
• Limited Slip Differential

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

• Full military specification loom designed and manufactured by Aston Martin Racing
• Hyllus power management control unit
• Cosworth lightweight logger
• Pi Telemetry System

CHASSIS

• Bonded aluminium chassis from the V8 Vantage road car
• Aston Martin Racing designed and manufactured aerospace specification steel roll cage complying to FIA regulations
• Carbon fibre bodywork: bonnet, fenders, doors, tailgate, front and rear bumpers, sills, rear quarters
• Aerodynamic package: carbon fibre front splitter, flat floor, rear diffuser, CFD designed rear wing

BRAKES

• Six piston lightweight Brembo calipers front
• Four piston Brembo calipers rear
• Two-piece brake discs, front and rear

SUSPENSION

• Double wishbones front and rear
• Koni adjustable dampers
• Aston Martin Racing designed front upright installation
• Front and rear suspension adjustable for corner weights, ride heights, toe and camber settings

FUEL SYSTEM

• FIA-approved 95 litre bag type fuel tank located within the safety roll cage
• Three-litre pressurised fuel collector (larger capacity option for Le Mans)

WEIGHT

• ACO Regulations - 1195 kg

 

Here is a little intro video by Aston Martin Racing

AM Racing V8 Vantage GTE

 

Aston Martin GTE made the Debut at Sebring

more HERE

more pictures of the AM Vantage GTE