2012 Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3 Released: Official Specs and Price

Aston Martin is introducing its next race car, which they call the natural successor to the enormously successful DBRS9 – the 2012 Vantage GT3, a car developed to replicate and indeed surpass the superb track record of the DBRS9.
The new model will be powered by a modified version of the 6.0-litre v12 engine from the production version V12 Vantage, the 2012 Aston Martin Vantage GT3 is expected to produce no less than 600 HP and 700 Nm of torque which will be sent to the wheels via a Xtrac 6 speed sequential gearbox with semi-automatic paddle shifters.

According to the manufacturer, the Vantage GT3 benefits from Aston Martin’s V/H architecture philosophy, the modular chassis uses aerospace bonding techniques to create a light and immensely stiff aluminium and composite structure which not only aids handling on Aston Martin’s road cars but is also an ideal base for competitive race cars.

Contributing to a muscular and purposeful stance while maintaining the overall beauty of the V12 Vantage the new aerodynamics makes this V12 Vantage GT3 a truly unique car. The shorter wheel base and lower engine position over its predecessor will contribute to enhanced handling and performance. The new car will also provide enhanced driveability with the latest race-developed ABS and Traction Control systems which are fitted to the V12 Vantage GT3 as standard.

With these performances, the 2012 Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3 will be eligible for numerous race series around the world including the FIA GT3 Championship, ADAC Masters, Nürburgring VLN, Blancpain Endurance Series, British GT, Belcar and Open GT among others.

Deliveries of the first cars will commence in early 2012 with a starting prices from £298,000.

V12 Vantage GT3 Specification

Engine
– Lightweight V12
– Dry sump oil system
– Engine repositioned to optimise weight distribution
– Target power 600 bhp
– Target torque 700 Nm

Transmission
– Xtrac 6 speed sequential transmission
– Racing clutch
– Limited slip ramp/plate differential
– Easily accessible drop gears
– Semi-automatic paddle shift gear change
– Carbon fibre propshaft

Chassis
– Lightweight aluminium chassis
– Steel roll cage to FIA safety standards
High speed pneumatic jack system

Steering
– Hydraulic power assisted steering
– Quick release steering wheel

Suspension
– Double wishbone suspension arms front
and rear with uniball bearings
– 2-way adjustable dampers front and rear
– Optimsed geometry for lower race ride height

Fuel system
– 110 litre fuel cell to FIA safety standards
– Twin quick release couplings
– Fuel cell location optimised for performance and safety
(behind the driver’s seat, inside the safety roll cage)

Brakes
– 6 pot front calipers
– Ventilated front brake disc
– 4 pot rear caliper
– Ventilated rear brake disc
– Floor mounted pedal box
– Manually adjustable front/rear brake bias
– Adjustable motorsport ABS

Wheels
– 12.5″ x 18″ front
– 13″ x 18″ rear

Tyres
– Front 30/68-18
– Rear 31/71-18

Cockpit
– Steering wheel mounted controls
– Driver display / data logger / shift lights / beacon
– 6-point safety harness
– Adjustable steering position
– Adjustable seat position
– Adjustable pedal box position
– Light weight battery
– Carbon fibre dash
– Fire extinguisher system

Aerodynamics
– Front splitter
– Adjustable full width carbon fibre rear wing
– Aerodynamically optimised bumpers, fenders and sills

Weight
– Target dry weight 1250kg

Source: Aston Martin