Although many Aston Martin->ke13 enthusiasts would rather have a DB9 or a Vanquish in their garage, sports car->ke506 racing aficionados are more likely to go for the Vantage->ke4410 GT4.

Built to FIA GT regulations, which makes it eligible for the GTS class of the Pirelli World Challenge, the Vantage GT4 just got a racing series of its own in North America.

Open to just about anyone who can afford to purchase the sports car->ke506 and pay the entry fees, the Aston Martin GT4 Challenge of North America will run its inaugural season over seven weekends. The gentleman racers will get a chance to prove their driving skills on famous U.S. track such as Watkins Glen, Laguna Seca->ke981, Road America->ke1005 and Sebring, but will also travel to Canada to hoon the GT4 on Circuit Mont-Tremblant.

2014 entrants will include IndyCar->ke1559 and prototype sports car driver Eliseo Salazar, who had driven for TRG-Aston Martin Racing in the past, as well as drivers that have less or no racing experience at all, such as Montreal Aston Martin->ke13 dealer Joel Segal.

The inaugural Aston Martin GT Challenge of North America will commence on May 16th through 18th at Watkins Glen and will end on November 21st through 23rd at Sebring International Raceway.

Click past the jump to read more about the Aston Martin Vantage GT4.

2014 Aston Martin Vantage GT4

Specifications
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  • Model: 2014 Aston Martin Vantage GT4
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Aston Martin Vantage GT4 in detail

Unlike the Vantage GT3, which sports a V-12 engine under the hood, the GT4 is motivated by a 4.7-liter, V-8 unit prepped by Aston Martin Racing. The unspecified amount of power is transferred to the track via either a six-speed transmission or a Sportshift transmission that comes with a twin-plate cera-metallic clutch with lightweight flywheel.

Aerodynamic upgrades that set the GT4 apart from the regular Vantage include an adjustable carbon-fiber rear wing, an updated front splitter and carbon-fiber bumper-mounted cannards.

The cabin is packed with race-spec equipment such as Recaro competition seats, Sabelt six-point harnesses, quick-release steering wheel and an FIA compliant extinguisher system.

2013 Aston Martin Vantage