Aston Martin has made a grand entrance into the racing world with the unveiling of its 2024 Vantage GT3 race car. The highly anticipated car was revealed alongside the global launch of the brand-new Vantage road car. This marks a significant milestone for Aston Martin, as it is the first race car to be developed through a collaboration between Aston Martin Performance Technologies and Aston Martin Racing.
The 2024 Vantage GT3 is an evolution of the previous-generation car that was introduced in 2018. It has been in development since autumn 2022 and underwent extensive track testing in the third quarter of last year. One of the key advantages of this evolution is that existing customers have the option to upgrade their current cars or purchase brand-new ones.
According to Adam Carter, the head of endurance motorsport at Aston Martin, the company aims to deliver 30 of these new Vantage GT3s to customers by the end of the year. He stated, “Very quickly I think we will see 10 racing, but by the end of the year, 30 (including spare cars for certain teams). That’s the projection.” The deliveries will be prioritized based on when championships start, ensuring maximum coverage across all championships.
Aston Martin has received significant interest from various markets, indicating a growing demand for GT3 race cars. Carter emphasized the importance of expanding the GT3 market over time and building on its strong sales book. While the company could have sold more cars, their priority is to ensure that customers receive the cars in time for testing and racing relative to the staggered championship schedules.
The new Vantage GT3 will be seen on grids around the world, including in prestigious championships such as IMSA’s GTD classes and the FIA WEC LMGT3 program. Carter expressed gratitude for receiving entries into the FIA WEC, as Aston Martin has a rich history in that championship. He also highlighted the significance of being part of the FIA World Endurance Championship and IMSA, which is known for its technological advancements.
Feedback from drivers and customers who participated in extensive testing has been overwhelmingly positive. The car underwent rigorous testing, covering a distance of 12,500 kilometers, including 30-hour tests. The testing took place primarily in Europe at renowned circuits such as Silverstone, Alcaraz, and Portimao. Aston Martin ensured a diverse range of drivers, including amateurs, provided feedback to enhance the car’s drivability.
Aesthetically, the 2024 Vantage GT3 draws inspiration from the brand-new road car. Aston Martin attempted to disguise some of the front-end styling after the race car was first spotted testing late last year. The price tag for teams interested in purchasing this high-performance machine is £575,000 (approximately $725,000), with a cost-per-kilometer figure in line with the previous model.
The new Vantage GT3 addresses some of the shortcomings of its predecessor, particularly in terms of drivability and serviceability. Changes have been made to the front and rear suspension geometry, aero, throttle pedal setup, driver controls, brakes, and brake cooling. Additionally, the car features a quick change clamshell front and an improved mechanism for fast changes to the wing angle, aligning with the trends in GT3 racing.
Aston Martin has reworked a total of 85 sub-components and sub-assemblies across the car to enhance its performance. However, it is worth noting that the engine, transmission, and gearbox remain identical to the previous Vantage. Carter acknowledged that the previous GT3 car had some behaviors that made it challenging for amateur drivers. Therefore, the new Vantage GT3 has been designed with a wider setup window to cater to the pro/am market and ensure that it is more approachable for drivers of all skill levels.
Overall, the introduction of the 2024 Vantage GT3 marks an exciting chapter for Aston Martin in the world of racing. With its stunning design, enhanced drivability, and global presence in prestigious championships, this race car is set to make a significant impact. Aston Martin’s commitment to delivering exceptional performance and ensuring that their race cars represent their road cars is evident in the development of this new GT3 model. As the company continues to expand its presence in the GT3 market, we can expect to see more thrilling races and remarkable achievements from Aston Martin.