Aston Martin Vantage GT12 set for Goodwood debut

The torque tube is also new and made from magnesium, and the seven-speed gearbox has been recalibrated for faster shifts. However, the gearing itself is unchanged from the V12 Vantage S’s.

The final engine output and performance figures have yet to be confirmed by Aston, but the top speed drops from the 205mph of the V12 Vantage S and is rated at 185mph, due to the extra drag created by the aerodynamic package. The 0-60mph time is estimated at 3.5sec, which is 0.2sec faster than that of the V12 Vantage S.

The basic chassis and suspension system of the V12 Vantage S carries over to the Vantage GT12, but with several key modifications. Although the ride height remains the same, ground clearance is reduced by the new aerodynamic features and the track is 15mm wider at the front and 33mm wider at the rear. New spring rates and bars are fitted to the suspension set-up and the Bilstein adaptive dampers are retuned.

The Normal, Sport and Track modes from the V12 Vantage S are also carried over. These alter the firmness of the dampers, throttle response, gearshift speed and timing, exhaust note and steering assistance. They have all been retuned for the Vantage GT12, and King has promised “a very different feel” from the donor model for the GT12.

King’s team is currently entering a two-month testing period to tune the various components and has “fairly aggressive targets to meet with performance”. Aston Martin Racing driver Darren Turner has also been recruited to the development team for this chassis tuning stage.

Elsewhere on the chassis spec, the large Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes are carried over from the V12 Vantage S to the GT12. Lightweight 19in magnesium alloy wheels are shod in Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres (the first time Michelins have been fitted to an Aston) – 265/35s at the front and 325/30s at the rear. The alloys can be specced with a magnesium centre locking cap, another first for Aston.

The Vantage GT12 is wrapped in a new carbonfibre skin, which saves 20kg over the bodywork of the V12 Vantage S. The new bodywork and wider tracks make the Vantage GT3 50mm wider than the model on which it is based.

Visually, the Vantage GT12 is easily distinguished from the V12 Vantage S thanks to its extensive aerodynamic package, in part derived from the GT3 race car. Most striking at the front is the horseshoe graphic in the bonnet that helps with both cooling and airflow over the car. Meanwhile, the rear end is dominated by a large, fixed rear wing.

Inside, the weight-saving continues, because the centre console has been made out of carbonfibre and the carbonfibre seats have manual adjustment rather than electric. The infotainment system is also now fixed, rather than popping out of the dashboard. The cabin, sporty yet still luxurious, is trimmed in Alcantara and leather, and the carbonfibre is left exposed.

Q&A, Marek Reichman, Aston Martin design director

Is this an uprated version of the V12 Vantage S or a road-going version of the GT12 race car?

“It’s pushing from both ends. We’re unusual in that we actually have the race cars in the design studio and work on the surfacing. We’ve shown we have the race pedigree, and there’s a growing frustration at seeing other brands’ GT3 cars so well represented at track days. We know we have the potential and can compete.”

Can a car like this be beautiful?

“Yes. It is beautiful in its functionality, and also the way we execute it because of the quality and attention to detail. We also wanted to convey that the design had been affected by the aerodynamics. In one of our ‘gentleman’ cars, you try to hide it, but in this car the suit is off and the Lycra is on.”

Is the car still usable every day?

“Yes, because we believe there is a gap for a car like this that is also luxurious and usable. There is a luxurious feel to all the materials, but they’re used in functional ways. Each individual part of the car is beautiful and has great attention to detail. The graphics are painted on and show the airflow. The badge is forged from carbonfibre. The mounts for the rear wing follow the same angle as the diffuser. It’s functional things like this developed in a beautiful way that make this an Aston Martin.”