There is normally a gap between when an automaker unveils a new model and the announcement of its racing spinoff. But Aston Martin is releasing details and images of the new Vantage GTE racer just eight hours after showing its roadgoing counterpart for the first time. Such is the relentless pace of Aston?s development program.
While there are many details to relay about the car itself, we need to start by acknowledging that this is one of the most extreme-looking GT race cars ever. Its outrageously flared wheel arches bring to mind 1970s fashions in pants, and a rear diffuser hangs far enough behind the rear bumper to require two support rods to lash it to the bodywork. Considering that the previous Vantage GTE was competitive until the end, taking a class win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans this year, we imagine the first sight of this one will cause some consternation among competitors.
Like the roadgoing Vantage, the racer is switching to the Mercedes-AMG twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine, which we?re told will produce more than 535 horsepower and 515 lb-ft of torque. The engine gets different turbos, a dry-sump lubrication system, and an exhaust made by Akrapovi?; it sends its considerable urge to the rear wheels via a six-speed Xtrac sequential gearbox. The body uses a development of the aluminum architecture of the road car with an integrated steel roll cage. The car’s claimed dry weight is just 2745 pounds, the minimum for GTE racing.

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