The world’s best-looking race car ever has just got a little bit better as Aston Martin released a slightly revised version of its Vantage GT4. The 2011 car is closely based on the V8 Vantage road car with the same basic engine, aluminium chassis and suspension design. But it has enhanced aerodynamics and increased downforce.

The 4.7 liter V8 too has been enhanced and gets a remapped ECU to offer increased levels of power and torque. The car comes with new Bosch-developed brakes. The performance of this system is guaranteed in both wet and dry conditions.

The aerodynamic enhances are partly due to the new front splitter that increases downforce at the front of the car, as well as channelling cooling air to the brakes and radiator. The car also gets new carbon fibre diffuser and rear underfloor as well as the V12’s larger boot ‘flip’. The redesigned underfloor also channels more air through a new rear-mounted high capacity transmission oil cooler. All these changes result in more downforce at high speed.

Aston Martin Racing has built and sold more than 80 Vantage GT4s to customers around the world in the last two years and it has become the most successful car in its class.  In 2010, it won the European GT4 Cup as well as the GT4 class at the Dubai 24 Hours, the Nürburgring 24 Hours and the Spa 24 hours.  The car also has its own one-make series, the Aston Martin GT4 Challenge of Great Britain, which was won in its inaugural year by Chris and Ant Scragg.  The new Vantage GT4 will be eligible for this Challenge, as well as the European GT4 Cup and all other series with a GT4 class.

2011 Vantage GT4 specification

Engine:

• 4.7 litre V8 GT4 race specification engine with new engine mapping for 2011
• Transmission:
• Sportshift^TM or 6-speed manual gearbox
• Twin plate competition clutch
• Limited slip differential

Chassis:

• Aluminium chassis with Aston Martin Racing-designed steel roll cage to FIA regulations
• V8 Vantage road car bodywork with new:
• –       V12 Vantage front bumper and splitter
• –       V12 Vantage rear bumper and diffuser
• –       V12 Vantage increased rear boot ‘flip’
• –       V12 Vantage clear rear lights

Suspension:

• Front and rear double wishbone suspension with adjustable toe and camber
• Bilstein dampers (adjustable for ride-height only)
• Koni 2-way adjustable damper (optional)
• Rose-jointed suspension upgrade (optional)

Brakes:

• Four piston monobloc front callipers with race pistons (reduced thermal conductivity)
• Four piston monobloc rear callipers
• Two-piece floating front brake discs with the latest Brembo drive system
• Twin outlet front brake cooling ducts
• Pagid RS29 brake pads front and rear (standard)
• Endurance brake upgrade (optional)
• Bosch race-developed ABS and traction control system (optional)

Fuel system:

• 100l single-fill fuel tank (standard)
• 120l endurance single or duel-fill tanks (optional)

Wheels:

Cast magnesium 5-stud OZ racing wheels

Front: 10″ x 18″

Rear: 11″ x 18″

Further options:

• GT4 electrical diagnostic system
• Cosworth D2/D3 datalogging systems
• Air-conditioning
• Air jacks