Aston readies hardcore Vantage derivatives
Neville Contractor :: 13 October 2006 :: Filed under Coupe, Front engine sportscar, Aston Martin, Aston Martin V8 Vantage, Europe & UK
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Vantage prepped for race and rally
In the multi-billion dollar motor industry game of Fordopoly (grab a box set before the Christmas rush…), Aston Martin is little more than a powerless pawn. But that hasn’t prevented the British sports GT specialist from pressing on with a couple of competition-inspired Vantage coupé creations, including a lightweight, road-legal track tool and rally-ready racer…
Lurid livery for the 'Ring-ready Vantage N24 (click for the bigger picture)
First up is the V8 Vantage N24. In an interview with Evo magazine, Aston ‘s head honcho Dr Ulrich Bez revealed that the N24 was conceived after a similarly prepped Vantage finished fourth in class and 24th overall at the Nϋrburgring 24 hours earlier this year.
In terms of upgrades, weight loss is the N24’s main claim to fame. In total, 200kg has been exorcised, reducing the car’s fighting weight to just 1,350kg. Into the skip goes much of the interior and NVH sound deadening as well as the air con unit and some safety gear, including airbags and door beams. The side and rear glass are replaced with polycarbonate; the wiring harness, battery and fuel tank are also changed, the latter for a larger but lighter bag tank. Even the aluminium chassis is trimmed where possible. Two Recaro race seats sit deeply cocooned within the confines of an FIA roll-cage, completing a complex and thorough transformation.
The drivetrain remains standard, including the traction and stability control systems. Smaller rear exhaust boxes and simpler routing aid cooling to the gearbox (required for endurance events) and also produce an extra 5bhp. But the enhanced performance is largely a result of the weight saving and trick Yokohama tyres wrapped around Speedline wheels. Stiffer springs and roll bars are also fitted.
Stats-wise, 62mph comes up in a claimed 4.2 clicks and the wall arrives at 175mph. Coincidently, that sprint figure mirrors the Porsche 911 GT3 over the same increment. In fact, think stripped-out, lightweight special in the mould of aforementioned RS and you’ll have a pretty good overall idea of Aston’s plans for the N24. However, unlike Porsche, which tends to inflate prices for mass miniaturisation, Aston refuses to ask a penny more for the N24. The £82,800 sticker tag is identical to a stock Vantage. Don’t be surprised if one or two of the limited 20 unit production run turns up on the Evo long term fleet…
Aston’s second Vantage-based project is aimed at gentleman rally drivers. Developed by race and rally maestros Prodrive, the Aston Martin Rally GT is surely one of the sweetest looking all-terrain machines ever. To talk specifics, the gentleman in question and commissioner of this project is Frederic Dor, shipping magnate, occasional Le Mans driver and Prodrive regular (it’s alright for some). Lest you need reminding, Prodrive not only runs the Subaru Rally team, but is also responsible for Aston’s GT campaign with the DBR9.
The Prodrive-prepped Vantage Rally GT
Based on the regular Vantage, engine tune is upped to 420bhp and 302lb/ft while drive goes to the rear boots via a standard ‘box. If that’s a little surprising, a close-ratio unit is available as an option. A full roll cage increases both occupant safety and torsional stiffness. Meanwhile, the whole caboodle sits on Eibach springs and tuneable EXE-TC dampers. Of course, a rear-drive Aston is hardly an ideal cross-country humper. So, this is an asphalt-only beast, unplanned off-road excursions aside.
Ongoing development has seen the Rally GT contest in three French rally events, finishing second in the Series GT class of the Lyon to Charbonniers rally. Needless to say, when Aston or Prodrive go racing these days, the silver certainly seems to pile up at pace. Just don’t expect to see this aristocrat Aston trading paint with WRC riff raff anytime soon.
Deliveries for the if-you-have-to-ask-you-can’t-afford-it Rally GT are expected by close of business ’06.
Posted 04 November 2006, by Maskhara el Kurdi
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