With the Vantage GT4, Aston Martin has devoted even greater resources toward developing an Aston Martin track car model available as a total package to the consumer in order to compete in private racing series worldwide. The Aston Martin Vantage GT4 replaces Aston's previous privateer racing offering, the Vantage N24, and not only is the car in line with the newly updated Vantage, but provides some serious track cred for the serious papered pseudo-professional race car driver.
A Vantage N24 won the overall crown at this year's 24 Hours Nurburgring, so Aston buyers can shell out a base price of £96,645, or US$145,000 at current exchange rates, with confidence that they are getting a track-proven machine. GT4 changes over the standard V8 Vantage include weight savings of an incredible 300 kg, which starts with stripping out the heavy luxury interior trimmings that make the standard Vantage so desirable.
The Vantage GT4 is available with conventional manual or a paddle-shifted "Sportshift" clutchless manual. Aston has also decided to include a full host of babysitting features, including the same traction and stability control systems fitted to the standard Vantage. Perhaps this speaks to the true market for an Aston Martin track-spec car, but the N24's recent pedigree shows that this factory racer is extremely capable in the hands of the right driver and team.
Factory options include an enduro-ready 31.7 gallon fuel tank cell, a passenger seat and harness system, and air conditioning. Air conditioning?
The Aston Martin Vantage GT4 will be available worldwide in January for £96,645. Not bad for a complete race car package, but don't expect to be driving this thing on public roads, air conditioning aside.