Aston Martin to Race New V12 Vantage at 24h of Nurburgring

For the fourth consecutive year, Aston Martin will take part at the Nurburgring 24-hour endurance race which begins on May 23. This time, the British automaker will participate with a near-standard V12 Vantage featuring only essential safety modifications, reduced weight, Pirelli slick tires and re-tuned suspension with no additional aerodynamic enhancements. There are no changes under the hood with the Vantage retaining the stock 6.0-litre V12 engine that produces 517HP and 570 Nm or 420 lb/ft of torque.

Aston Martin’s team of drivers will include the company’s boss Dr Ulrich Bez who will be driving in his fourth consecutive 24-hour race, as well as representatives from the automaker’s engineering department.

“This is the final engineering durability test for the V12 Vantage programme, said Dr Ulrich Bez. “We will be subjecting the car to the toughest assessment yet under public scrutiny as we successfully did with the Vantage N24 programme,” he added.

Aston Martin Rapide: New Photo and Details on Production Model

With the development of the Rapide moving into its final stages, Aston Martin decided to released one more photo and more importantly, new details on its Porsche Panamera rivaling sports sedan. On course for a public debut at the Frankfurt Show in September with the first customer cars planned to be delivered in early 2010, the production model differs only in a few minor details compared to the Rapide Concept that was shown at the Detroit Auto Show in 2006.

In its latest press release, the British maker revealed that the much anticipated Rapide will be powered by a version of Aston Martin’s 6.0-liter V12 engine producing 470bhp and 600Nm of torque. Power will be driven to the rear wheels through Aston Martin’s paddle-operated six-speed Touchtronic automatic transmission. While performance figures have yet to be revealed, the British marque claims that early indications are that the four-seater sports sedan will offer ‘class-leading performance and dynamics.’

Aston Martin Chief Executive, Dr. Ulrich Bez said: “The Rapide will be the most elegant four-door sports car in the world. It completes the Aston Martin range conveying our established attributes of Power, Beauty and Soul. In 2010 there will be an Aston Martin for every type of sports car customer regardless of the demands of their lifestyle. The Rapide is the most versatile, bringing a new benchmark of luxury and refinement to both driver and passenger.”

“Rapide will exceed expectations to deliver elegance and practicality in a form that will allow driving enjoyment and comfort beyond anything that exists today,” added Dr Ulrich Bez, “The Rapide will exist in a class all of its own, a true Aston Martin with the high performance and dynamic excellence that defines the brand, and a luxurious sporting grand tourer without equal.”

The production version of the Rapide will be the first car in Aston Martin’s history to be built out of Britain as production will be carried out by Magna Steyr at the firm’s Austrian plant in Graz.

Aston Martin Rapide: High-Resolution Photos of Production Model

As many of you petrol-heads may remember, late last year and in early 2009, various British magazines published an array of photos depicting the production version of Aston Martin’s highly anticipated Rapide sports sedan. Well, we happened to find official, high-resolution versions of those images and so here we are to share them with you.

When compared to the Rapid concept study that was unveiled three years ago at the 2006 Detroit motorshow, the photos / CGIs of the production model reveal that Aston Martin hasn’t altered the sports sedan’s basic design in any way.

In fact, the only visible changes concern a few minor styling tweaks such as the stronger crease that runs from the front wing vent through both doors, the retouched rear bumper, the more production-like exterior mirrors and the new front apron that does away with the secondary air intakes.

Power for the Rapide is said to be provided by a 6.0-liter V12 engine developing somewhere around 500HP. Tempting, but when will we actually see Aston Martin’s 10x-better looking Porsche Panamera rival hitting the streets? According to earlier statements from Aston Martin’s execs, the Rapide should be revealed in production form in late 2009, most likely at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, with sales commencing in early 2010.

Aston Martin Revives Lagonda with a controversial Concept in Geneva

Marking the Lagonda brand’s 100th anniversary, Aston Martin announced the return of the marque in Geneva with the unveiling of a new concept study that is bound to cause controversy and spur conversations over its styling. In what could be seen as some as futuristic, high-end of the London cab (…), the four-door, four-wheel drive crossover is based on the underpinnings of the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class SUV and is powered by a V12 engine.

“The Lagonda is the luxury car of the future,” said Aston Martin Lagonda Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez, “a combination of total usability, a new form and innovative new technology and materials.”

Aston Martin did not reveal any specific details on the Lagonda Concept but it did note that the revival of the brand with this vehicle will help the company expand its presence from 30 countries into more than 100 worldwide including Russia and emerging markets in the Middle East, South America, India and China.

Furthermore, Aston Martin said that the revival of the Lagonda brand will allow the exploration of alternative powertrain solutions including flexfuel, low emission diesel and hybrid systems. Lagonda/

“An Aston Martin is an authentic, pure sports car,” said Dr Ulrich Bez, “but Lagonda is something else, a new brand that will reach into new markets. Lagonda will create a new kind of customer relationship, instilling the spirit of travel, adventure and style into a single, formidable package. An Aston Martin demands to be driven. A Lagonda demands a destination.”

Aston Martin One-77 with 7.3-liter V12 Breaks Cover in Geneva

Showcasing its engineering and design expertise, Aston Martin lifted the covers off the One 77 at the Geneva Show today. The full size model previews the production model that will be built in a limited number of 77 units. Believe it or not, Aston Martin says that when it began developing its most exclusive supercar, it took a good look at the cars of the DTM racing series.

“We wanted to create something that wows you as much when you see what’s under the skin as the exterior styling itself,” said Chris Porritt, One-77 Programme Manager. “We started by identifying the most technologically exciting front-engined, rear-wheel drive cars in the world: those from the DTM race series. We then applied the principles and technology that feature heavily in their design and translated it to a road car application.”

The One 77 structural core is a lightweight yet extremely rigid carbon fibre monocoque which was conceived and designed at Aston Martin’s Gaydon HQ, and built in partnership with Multimatic (MTC).

Aston Martin’s enginners fitted the One 77 with a double wishbone suspension and fully adjustable dampers featuring Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve (DSSV) technology, a world-first for a road car application according to the British firm. These special valves are state-of-the-art even at the highest levels of motorsport,

Underneath its elongated bonnet, the One 77 gets a naturally aspirated 7.3-liter V12 engine derived from the 6.0-litre V12s fitted to the DBS, DB9 and new V12 Vantage models. Aston Martin projects that it will deliver over 700HP offering the car a projected top speed in excess of 200mph (321 km/h), with a 0-60mph (96km/h) time in approximately 3.5 sec.

Aston Martin DBS Volante with 510HP V12 Breaks Cover ahead of Geneva

Aston Martin’s V12-powered rag-top DBS has received a premature online unveiling. To be officially introduced in Geneva, the new 2+2 seater DBS Volante features a fabric top that neatly tucks away behind a sculpted tonneau cover at the touch of a button in 14 seconds. Power is provided by Aston Martin’s all alloy 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 510-horsepower and 570 Nm (420 lb ft) of torque for a top speed of 191 mph (307 km/h) and a 0-100 km/h (62mph) time of 4.3 secs.

In standard specification, the DBS Volante comes with a rear-mounted six-speed manual gearbox, while for those that don’t mind having a less engaging driving experience, the British firm also offers an automatic six-speed ‘Touchtronic’ option.

To keep the car’s weight down (Aston announces a weight of 1,810kg or 3,990 lbs), the DBS Volante is offered with carbon ceramic brakes as standard while the bonnet, front wings and boot lid are all made from carbon fibre.

The DBS Volante will be built at Aston Martin’s global headquarters at Gaydon, Warwickshire with the first examples expected to be delivered during the third quarter of the year. Prices will be announced at the Geneva Auto Salon.

DBS Volante Specification

Body

Two-door convertible body style with 2+2 seating

Bonded aluminium VH structure

Aluminium, magnesium alloy and carbon-fibre composite body

Extruded aluminium door side-impact beams

High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps (main beam)

LED rear lamps and side repeaters

Engine

All-alloy, quad overhead camshaft, 48-valve, 5935 cc V12

Compression ratio 10.9:1

Front-mid mounted engine, rear-wheel drive

Fully catalysed stainless steel exhaust system with active bypass valves

Max power: 380 kW (510 bhp / 517 PS) at 6500 rpm

Max torque: 570 Nm (420 lb.ft) at 5750 rpm

Acceleration: 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 4.3 seconds

Max speed: 307 km/h (191 mph)

Transmission

Rear-mid mounted, six-speed manual gearbox. Rear-mid mounted ‘Touchtronic 2′ six-speed gearbox with electronic shift-by-wire control system

Alloy torque tube with carbon fibre propeller shaft

Limited-slip differential

Final-drive ratio 3.71:1 (manual) 3.46:1 (Touchtronic)

Wheels and Tyres

Front: 8.5” x 20” Pirelli P Zero 245/35

Rear: 11” x 20” Pirelli P Zero 295/30

Steering

Rack and pinion, Servotronic speed-sensitive power-assisted steering, 3.0 turns lock-to-lock

Column tilt and reach adjustment

Suspension

Front: Independent double wishbone incorporating anti-dive geometry, coil springs, anti-roll bar and monotube adaptive dampers

Rear: Independent double wishbones with anti-squat and anti-lift geometry, coil springs, anti-roll bar and monotube adaptive dampers

Adaptive Damping System (ADS) with Track mode

Brakes

Front: Ventilated carbon ceramic discs, 398 mm diameter with six-piston callipers

Rear: Ventilated carbon ceramic discs, 360 mm diameter with four-piston callipers

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Track mode

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)

Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)

Traction control

Dimensions

Length:

4721 mm (185.9”)

Wheelbase:

2740 mm (107.9”)

Width:

1905 mm (75”) (exc. Mirrors)

2060 mm (81.1”) (inc. Mirrors)

Fuel tank capacity:

78 litres (17.2 Imp.galls, 20.5 US galls)

Height:

1280 mm (50.4”)

Weight:

1810 kg

Interior

Full grain leather interior

Matrix alloy facia trim and Iridium Silver centre console surround

Carbon fibre door trims and door pulls

Auto-dimming rear-view mirror & garage door opener (USA & Canada only)

Sports seats with electric adjustment

Memory seats & exterior mirrors (three positions)

Dual-stage driver/passenger front airbags

Side airbags

Heated seats

Heated rear screen

Automatic temperature control

Organic Electroluminescent (OEL) displays

Trip computer

LED map lights

Cruise control

Hard Disk Drive (HDD) satellite navigation system1,2

Bluetooth telephone preparation1

Powerfold exterior mirrors

Front and rear parking sensors

Tyre-pressure monitoring1

Alarm and immobiliser

Remote-control central door locking and boot release

Wind deflector

Battery disconnect switch

Battery conditioner1

Tracking device3 (UK only)

Boot-mounted umbrella

Lamy pen and pen holder (Touchtronic only)

In-Car Entertainment

Bang & Olufsen BeoSound DBS sound system

Integrated Apple iPod® connector

USB connector with Waveform Audio Format (WAF), Windows Media Player (WMA) and MPEG (MP3) audio file compatibility

3.5 mm auxiliary input socket

Options

20” 20-spoke alloy wheels with graphite finish

20″ 10-spoke diamond-turned alloy wheels

20″ 10-spoke diamond-turned alloy wheels with graphite finish

Satellite radio system (USA only)

Piano Black facia trim and centre console surround

Personalised sill plaques

Auto-dimming interior rear-view mirror1

Auto-dimming interior rear-view mirror with garage door opener (Europe only)

Alarm upgrade (volumetric and tilt sensor)

Tracking device1,3

First-aid kit

Ashtray and cigar lighter

Aston Martin V12 Vantage 510HP Revealed Ahead of Geneva Show

Described by Aston Martin as “the most potent production sports car in the marque’s 95-year history,” the V12 Vantage is essentially the production version of the 2007 V12 Vantage RS concept car and it will be officially revealed at the Geneva Motorshow on 3rd March. Based on the V8 Vantage, the V12 Vantage features a naturally aspirated 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 510HP (517 PS), and 570 Nm (420 lb ft) of torque. Exclusively available with a six-speed manual transmission, the rear-wheel-drive British sportscar has a top speed of 190 mph (305 km/h) and 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time of 4.2 seconds.

Unique to the V12 Vantage is a ‘Sport’ button which allows the driver to choose between two powertrain modes, the default ‘normal’ that provides a more progressive throttle response for everyday use, and the Sport’ mode that delivers a sharper throttle response together with a sportier exhaust note.

In order to accommodate a wider wheel and tire combination for improved grip and traction, Aston Martin’s engineer’s modified the Vantage’s rear suspension that now features a more compact dual-rate spring design. The ride height of the V12 Vantage has also been lowered by 15 mm, while the spring rates have been stiffened by 45% and the anti-roll bars are 15% (front) and 75% (rear) stiffer than the standard car.

The coupe sits on a set of lightweight 10-spoke 19″ alloy wheels shed with wider Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires that have been specifically designed for the V12 Vantage enabling it to generate the highest cornering forces of any Aston Martin – up to a peak of 1.3g according to the company.

Stopping power is provided by the standard Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) brakes with 398 mm discs at the front and 360 mm at the rear while the brake callipers feature six pistons at the front, four at the rear and have a larger brake pad area compared to the V8 Vantage. The CCM brakes are said to be some 12.5 kg (28 pounds) lighter than conventional brakes.

The V12 Vantage stands out from its less powerful V8 sibling thanks to the aerodynamic add-ons and cooling aids such as the bonnet louvres, the new side sills derived from the N24 race car, the more pronounced boot ‘flip” and the new rear carbon fibre diffuser.

Complementing the exterior changes, the V12 Vantage’s interior features a revised instrument cluster with clearer dials, carbon fibre door handles as well as additional light weight materials in the form of Alcantara that are used throughout the cabin.

Production of the V12 Vantage will be limited to between just 300-500 examples per year with deliveries expected to commence during quarter three 2009. For those interested, prices are to be confirmed at the Geneva motor show.

Aston Martin V12 Vantage: Specification

Body: 

Two door, two seat coupe body

Bonded aluminium structure

Aluminium, magnesium alloy, composite and steel body

Extruded aluminium door side impact beams

High Intensity Discharge Headlamps (dipped beam)

Halogen projector headlamps (main beam)

LED rear lamps

Engine: 

All alloy quad overhead cam 48 valve 5935cc V12

Compression ratio 10.9:1

Front mid-mounted engine, rear wheel drive

Fully catalysed stainless steel exhaust system with active bypass valves

Maximum Power

510 bhp (380 kW / 517 PS) at 6500 rpm

Maximum Torque

570 Nm (420 lb.ft) at 5750 rpm

Acceleration

0-62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.2 seconds

0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds

Maximum Speed

190 mph (305 km/h)

Fuel Economy

Urban 11.64 mpg 24.26 l/100km

Extra Urban 24.05 mpg 11.74 l/100km

Combined 17.28 mpg 16.35 l/100km

CO2 388 g/km

Transmission: 

Rear mid-mounted six speed manual gearbox. Alloy torque tube with carbon fibre propeller shaft

Limited slip differential

Final Drive Ratio 3.71:1

Steering: 

Rack and pinion

Column tilt and reach adjustment

Suspension: 

Front: Independent double wishbone incorporating anti-dive geometry, coil springs, anti-roll bar and monotube dampers

Rear: Independent double wishbones with anti-squat and anti-lift geometry, dual-rate coil springs, anti-roll bar and monotube dampers

Wheels 

Front: 9″ x 19″

Rear: 11″ x 19″

Tyres: 

Front: Pirelli P Zero Corsa 255/35 ZR19

Rear: Pirelli P Zero Corsa 295/30 ZR19

Brakes: 

Front: Ventilated Carbon Ceramic discs 398 mm diameter with six piston callipers

Rear: Ventilated Carbon Ceramic discs 360 mm diameter with four piston callipers

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Track mode

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)

Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)

Traction Control

Length: 4380 mm (172.5″)

Width: 1865 mm (73.5″) (excluding door mirrors)

2025 mm (80″) (including door mirrors)

Height: 1241 mm (49″)

Wheelbase: 2600 mm (107.9″)

Fuel tank capacity: 80 litres (17.6 Imp. Gal. / 21.1 US Gal)

Weight: 1680 kgs (3704 lb)

Interior: 

Carbon fibre door pulls

Memory seats and exterior mirrors (3 positions)

Sports seats with 10 way electric adjustment, including height, tilt and lumbar

adjustment

Dual stage driver and passenger front airbags

Side airbags (Sports seats only)

Heated rear screen

Automatic temperature control

Organic Electroluminescent (OEL) displays

Trip computer

Cruise control

Hard Disk Drive (HDD) satellite navigation system*

Bluetooth telephone preparation*

Powerfold exterior mirrors

Rear parking sensors

Auto dimming interior rear view mirror

Tyre pressure monitoring*

Alarm and immobiliser

Remote-control central door locking and boot release

Battery disconnect switch

Tracking device (UK only)

In Car Entertainment

160W Aston Martin Audio System

MP3 player connectivity

Options

Lightweight seats with 6 way adjustment, including front and rear height adjust. (Does not include side airbags or Passenger Airbag Cut-Off Switch)

700W Aston Martin Premium Audio System with Dolby® Pro Logic II®

Piano Black facia trim

Graphite Alloy facia trim

Personalised sill plaques

Garage door opener (Europe only)

Tracking device**

First aid kit

Ashtray and cigar lighter

Boot mounted umbrella

Front parking sensors

Heated seats (Sports seats only)

ISOFIX and fixed-height passenger seat (Sports seat only)

Battery conditioner

Aston Martin Rapide: New Photos of Production Model

New photos of the production version of Aston Martin’s Rapide sport sedan have been leaked into the web. The crew over at Autocar that released the pictures claim that Aston Martin’s Porsche Panamera rival will be revealed this autumn, most likely at the 2009 Frankfurt Show in Germany. The allegedly official, computer generated images show that not much has changed in terms of design from the 2006 Detroit show Rapide concept.

The most noticeable changes concern the stronger crease that runs from the front wing vent through both doors, the redesigned front apron that does away with the side vents and the restyled rear-bumper.

The four-seater British sports saloon is based on a stretched version of the DB9′s platform with power coming from a 6.0-liter V12 engine generating around 500HP. The Rapide will be the first car in the marque’s history to be built out of Britain as production will be carried out by Magna Steyr at the firm’s Austrian plant in Graz.

Aston Martin to Participate at 24h of Le Mans with Gulf Oil Livered LMP1

British sportscar manufacturer Aston Martin has set its eyes for an outright victory at this year’s Le Mans 24 hour race that will be held over the weekend of 13-14 June, 2009. Aston Martin will return to La Sarthe with two Works LMP1 cars bearing the characteristic blue and orange livery of Gulf Oil. Currently under development, the LMP1 will be based on the 2008 Charouz Racing System Lola equipped with the same production-based Aston Martin V12 engine which, last year, helped Aston Martin secure its second successive Le Mans GT1 title with the DBR9.

“2009 is a hugely significant year for Aston Martin at Le Mans and the challenge of reclaiming victory in this famous race for Aston Martin and Great Britain was simply too great to ignore,” said Aston Martin Chairman, David Richards.

“However, we do not underestimate the task. While we have won the GT1 class for the last two years, competing against the proven speed and endurance of the diesel-powered cars with all their years of winning the prototype class, will be a massive undertaking. Nonetheless, I see this as a great opportunity to showcase the ingenuity of British engineering talent,” Richards added.

In addition to the Le Mans 24 hour race, Aston Martin’s race team will also compete throughout the year in the Le Mans Series (LMS), which opens with the 1000 km de Catalunya on the 5th of April.

Caption This: Aston Martin V8 Vantage Blooper

Truth is, accidents can happen to anyone. But there are mishaps and mishaps, and this one, involving a $100,000+ Aston Martin V8 Vantage is one accident you wouldn’t want to be held responsible for… Hit the jump to see another photo of the Vantage from a different angle and humor us with a witty caption for the picture above.

Source: Q35 Driver , Via: Autoblog.com

Aston Martin Launches Performance Upgrades for 4.3 V8 Vantage

Following the introduction of the new Aston Martin 4.7 V8 Vantage this summer, Aston Martin is now offering owners of the previous 4.3-liter V8 Vantage the choice of a retrospective-fit power enhancement along with a new Sports Pack option. Available through the company’s dealer network, the power upgrade is realized through a revised induction system and a re-programmed ECU. With the addition of the kit, peak power is raised by 20bhp to 400bhp, increasing the 4.3 V8 Vantage’s top speed to 177mph (285 km/h) while Aston claims that there’s also a slight improvement in the 0-60mph sprint time without however giving out any official figures.

Customers can also opt for the new Sports Pack option that was introduced on the new 4.7 V8 Vantage earlier this year. The package comprises uprated springs and Bilstein dampers along with a set of lightweight forged aluminum 5-spoke wheels.

Aston Martin May Lay Off up to a Third of its Workforce

The ongoing slaughtering of auto-related jobs continues today with a new announcement from Aston Martin that said it has begun talks with its Trade Union partners in order to cut back on its workforce as car sales continue to drop. The British marque said that although no decision has been made yet, it cannot rule out the possibility of up to 300 permanent and a similar number of temporary job losses. In the U.K. Aston Martin employs around 1,800 people, meaning that the firm could lay off a third of its workforce.

Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ulrich Bez said: “Like other premium car brands, Aston Martin has been forced to take action to respond to the unprecedented downturn in the global economy. These are regrettable but necessary measures in the extraordinary market conditions we all now face.”

“Overall we remain confident that the Aston Martin brand is the strongest it has ever been – with dedicated design, engineering and manufacturing facilities and an award-winning product range, we remain well positioned for the upturn in the economy.”

Aston Martin Rapide Sports Sedan: First Official Rendering?

With all the hype surrounding the brand-new Panamera, someone was bound to dig up something new on one of Porsche’s chief rivals in the four-door sports saloon segment. That someone is Car Magazine and the rival is the long-awaited Aston Martin Rapide. The British mag supports that it has obtained the first official image of the production car in the form of a computer-generated rendering. If we are to believe the magazine’s claims, then not much has changed from the concept that was unveiled to the world at the 2006 Detroit auto show.

Put the concept images and the rendering side by side and you’ll find a few subtle tweaks like the absence of the secondary air intakes, the larger exterior mirrors and the stronger crease that runs from the front wing vent through both doors, but other than that, nothing important.

The Aston Martin Rapide that will be offered with a 6.0-liter V12 engine developing around 500HP is slated to be introduced in early 2009 with first deliveries expected in early 2010. It will be the first Aston to be built outside Britain with production to be carried out by Magna Steyr at the company’s plant in Graz, Austria.

Aston Martin Launches new Vantage GT4 Racer

Aston Martin’s Racing division has revealed the 2009 specification Vantage GT4 race car that’s based on the firm’s latest 4.7-liter V8 Vantage model. Set to replace the outgoing 4.3-liter Vantage N24, Aston Martin’s new competition car has been built to FIA GT4 regulations and it targets professional and semi-professional drivers but also enthusiasts who wish to use it for track days and club racing. It is priced from £96,645 ($143,000 U.S. or €114,150) and is available to order now with delivery in January 2009.

The GT4 makes use of the new Vantage’s 4.7 litre V8 engine that has been upgraded with a free flow exhaust system and air filters and is matted to either a six speed manual, or a Sportshift transmission with paddle controls. Both versions have a Valeo twin-plate cerametallic racing clutch and lightweight flywheel to complete the powertrain specification.

Weighing in at 1,330 kg or 2,932 pounds, the GT4 is approximately 300 kg or 660 pounds lighter than the standard Vantage V8. Aston Martin Racing’s engineers managed to achieve this through a range of weight reduction measures that include the elimination of the interior trim and the replacement of the console and door casings by new lightweight mouldings.

Other changes in the interior concern the addition of a high-strength steel rollcage and Recaro competition seats. A suede-trimmed steering wheel with a quick release mechanism is also fitted as standard while the car’s safety features are completed with a Sabelt sixpoint safety harness with a push-button release and Lifeline Zero 360 gas extinguisher system.

Aston Martin Racing team performed only minor upgrades to the V8 Vantage road car’s suspension. These include larger diameter front and rear anti-roll bars and adjustable ride height aluminium dampers, as well as single rate, flat ground springs with separate helper springs. The front subframe is modified for extra camber and castor while the GT4 sits on cast magnesium front and rear wheels wrapped in high performance Yokohama A048-R tires. The brakes are uprated with Pagid RS 29 race pads.

The road car’s basic active safety systems including the dynamic stability control, traction control, ABS and electronic brakeforce distribution have been carried over to the Vantage GT4.