The second-generation Aston Martin Vantage was introduced in 2018 as the company's latest entry-level model. It replaced the Vantage model that the British firm offered from 2005 through 2017. With a brand-new model on public roads, Aston Martin is now also offering a couple of race-spec versions, one of which is the Vantage GT3.

Developed to replace the Vantage V12 GT3 that Aston Martin has been racing since 2012, the new Vantage GT3 is closely related to its GTE-spec sibling. The British company will use it as a factory race car, but it will also offer it as a customer racer for GT3-spec series around the world, including the Blancpain GT Endurance Cup and the Sprint Cup.

Continue reading to learn more about the Aston Martin Vantage GT3.

2019 Aston Martin Vantage GT3

Specifications
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  • Model: 2019 Aston Martin Vantage GT3
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Pros
Cons

Aston Martin Vantage GT3 Exterior

- More aggressive design - Revised aerodynamics - Vents everywhere! - Big rear wing - Massive diffuser - Looks stunning!

The Vantage GT3 is a seriously beefed-up version of the road-going coupe. It's wider, it has a complex aerodynamic kit, and it's significantly more aggressive front and rear. The concept is not entirely new though. Aston Martin already introduced the Vantage GTE and the GT3 is very, very similar.

Aston Martin also separated the lower corners of the grille to make two additional vents and fitted a bigger splitter. The engine hood is also identical to the GTE-spec car, so it retains the shape of the road car but incorporates two massive vents on each side for improved cooling.

The similarities continue onto the sides. The aero kit includes massive side skirts, significantly wider wheel arches front and rear, and modified quarter windows for fuel-cap duty. The standard side windows were replaced by lighter polycarbonate, while the side mirrors feature an aerodynamically optimized design. The side-exiting exhaust pipes round off the aggressive profile.

The tall wing atop the deck lid seems identical to the GTE car. Actually, it's hard to tell the two cars apart, which is unusual as GTE- and GT3-spec cars have notable differences.

All told, the Vantage GT3 is one gorgeous race car and will most definitely attract plenty of attention on the race track.

Aston Martin Vantage GT3 Interior

- Loads of carbon-fiber - Bespoke instrument cluster - Race-spec center console - Cosworth technology - Carbon steering wheel - FIA-approved roll cage

As usual, Aston Martin didn't publish photos with the car's interior at launch. This is common practice in the racing world and we'll probably have to wait for the first race of the season to see something. However, GT3-spec cars are designed following strict rules so the cockpit isn't much of a mystery. What's more, we've already seen the inside of the GTE model and the GT3 should be about the same.

Needless to say, the GT3's interior probably very little in common with the production car.

Like in the GTE, the roll cage probably spreads over the lower door panels and the roof, as well as behind the front compartment. The standard dashboard was replaced by a carbon-fiber shell, while the instrument cluster is probably just a simple display for vital information.

The center stack is probably gone too, replaced by a carbon-fiber console. Made by Cosworth in the GTE, it's packed with loads of buttons, switches, and knobs. The center console is also made from carbon-fiber, as is the steering wheel. The latter should come with Alcantara grip sections, six buttons on each side, and additional knobs in the lower section.

Of course, the GT3 might have a few extras or unique features compared to the GTE, but we won't know more about that until we get a look inside the cockpit.

Aston Martin Vantage GT3 Drivetrain

- Twin-turbo, 4.0-liter V-8 - Engine based on Mercedes-AMG unit - Around 500 horsepower? - Ohlins suspension system - Alcon braking system - Michelin tires

Aston Martin had nothing to say about the car's drivetrain either, but it's safe to assume that most of it comes from the GTE race car. The mill is sourced from Mercedes-AMG, as part of a deal signed with the German firm a few years ago, and shared with almost all AMG cars out there, including the GT sports car.

The engine in this car is probably based on that in the Mercedes-AMG GT3 racer, a coupe that the Vantage GT3 will meet in various European series. Much like in the GTE, the engine was probably optimized to the Vantage GT3's aerodynamics. No word on output, but the V-8 should deliver at least 450 horsepower. The output depends on how much the car weighs, but again, there's no info about that. This is a big change compared to the outgoing Vantage GT3, which features a V-12 engine.

The Vantage GT3 should ride on race-spec suspension system made by Ohlins and bespoke Michelin tires. Stopping power should come from Alcon brakes.

2018 Aston Martin Vantage Engine And Performance Specs

Engine

4.0 liter twin turbo V-8

Horsepower

503 HP @ 6,000 RPM

Torque

505 LB-FT @ 2,000-5,000 RPM

0 to 60 mph

3.5 seconds

Top Speed

195 mph

Transmission

ZF eight-speed automatic transmission

Fuel tank capacity

73 liters

Min Dry Weight

3,373 Lbs

Weight Distribution

50:50


Aston Martin Vantage GT3 Competition

The Vantage GT3 will face a long list of competitors in GT3 classes around the world. In the Blancpain series, it will go against the Audi R8 LMS, Mercedes-AMG GT3, Bentley Continental GT3, Lamborghini Huracan GT3, and the Ferrari 488 GT3. Some teams also use the Lexus RC F GT3 or the old but still potent Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3. Honda also launched a GT3 version of the NSX recently, while BMW races the M6 GT3 for two years now. Developed to replace the McLaren 650S GT3, the 720S GT3 is one of the very few race cars that's actually brand-new. Finally, there's the highly popular and highly successful Porsche 911 GT3 R.

Group GT3 now includes several series spread across Europe, North America, and Asia. Expect to see the Vantage GT3 in the Blancpain GT Endurance Cup, Blancpain GT Sprint Cup, British GT Championship, FIA GT World Cup, WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, and the Pirelli World Challenge.

Conclusion

The new Vantage GT3 has a big pair of shoes to fill. The old Vantage V12 GT3 has been around since 2012 and it managed to win quite a few races in GT3 classes all over the world. But thanks to its lighter and stiffer chassis as well as the much more efficient engine, the new Vantage GT3 should be able to at least match its predecessor's performance on the track.

References

Read our full review on the 2018 Aston Martin Vantage.

Read our full review on the 2012 Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3.

Read our full review on the 2018 Aston Martin Vantage AMR.