The latest model to enter the GT3 arena has arrived in the forms of the Evo version of Aston Martin’s Vantage.
Launched alongside the new shape road-going version and ahead of its debut in the FIA World Endurance Championship, the new Vantage GT3 Evo was first announced in October. What’s followed is a comprehensive overhaul of the model for the first time since its debut in 2018.
This is noticeable by the considerable work completed in the revised aerodynamics package and tweaked suspension, although the engine remains a 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8. The front has been one area where noticeable change has taken place as the updated fascia has allowed increased ducting to the brakes.
Emerging from a joint effort between Aston Martin Racing and AMPT (Aston Martin Performance Technologies), which is the division behind the Valkyrie LMH program.
The new GT3 is our first opportunity to use AMPT to play a role in leveraging the capabilities, attitude and methodologies of all of Aston Martin’s various nerve centres, which we’ve then combined with the unrivalled GT program management expertise of AMR,” said Adam Carter, Aston Martin’s head of Endurance Motorsport.
“The GT racing program will serve as a development lab that will lead to an increasing transfer of knowledge and approach into future Aston Martin road cars.”
Both factory Aston Martin and amateur drivers completed development on the Vantage GT3 Evo to ensure it meant the needs of both markets.
“These new generation GT3 cars are more dependent than ever on aerodynamic downforce, so we wanted to make the car more stable under braking,” said Gus Beteli, AMR’s Head of Performance.
“The old car would dive a lot under braking, so we had to try and control the pitch with the rear suspension set-up. But this meant it was stiff, which made it quite snappy and, also over-worked the tires.
“Working heavily on damper tuning, we have found a much better balance with the new car so we can generate the downforce without compromising the suspension setup.
“The result is much-improved progression and greater stability in all conditions. It also works its tires much more evenly, so teams have more options on strategy.
“The feedback from drivers who’ve tested it has been overwhelmingly positive. Especially the amateur racers, who have been able to achieve lap times that are much closer to the Pros. Now we need to go racing!”
Aston Martin is targeting 30 of these new models to be racing by the end of the year.