Say Hello To The Ridiculously Extreme Aston Martin Vantage GT8

It has been one hell of a year for Aston Martin. In just four months we’ve had the unveiling of the new DB11, the debut of the exclusive Vulcan programme, and the announcement of a new hypercar project. So with all this emphasis placed on ‘new models’, you’d be forgiven for thinking that the 11 year-old Vantage must be coming towards the end of its life. Not so.

Aston clearly believes there’s life in the old girl yet, with the team from Gaydon using the knowledge gleaned from its current GT racing efforts to create the most hardcore Vantage yet. Inspired by the 2016 V8 Vantage GTE race car, the GT8 has been designed to be a true “drivers car”; focusing on handling over raw power.

Based on the V8 Vantage, the car uses the same 4.7-litre V8 as the standard car, with some minor changes; namely a new titanium exhaust and a revised throttle map. Power has been increased by 10-15bhp over the standard Vantage S - according to Dave King (Head of Special Projects) - to give the GT8 an impressive 440bhp. And in a move that will make petrolheads whoop with joy, the GT8 can be specced with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed automated manual; we know which one we’d choose!

The car is capable of a 0-60mph time of 4.4 seconds and will go onto a top speed of 190mph. But let’s face it, straight line speed is not what this machine is about. Because the car is based on the GTE racer, the emphasis of the project has been primarily on weight savings.

As standard the car features a lightweight exhaust system, race-inspired carbonfibre body panels, and magnesium wheels; enough to save 80kg over the standard car. But for those hardcore enthusiasts out there, you’ll want to spec the optional polycarbonate windows, lithium ion battery and titanium centre mounted exhaust to get a maximum 101kg weight saving. At 1450kg, this is officially the lightest Vantage ever.

Visually, the car is absolutely stunning, and we’ve been busy drooling over it at the car’s reveal at Silverstone circuit. Three optional ‘Halo‘ paint schemes are available; striking combinations of China Grey and Blue, Stratus White and Green or Stirling Green and Lime. Combined with the ‘Aero Pack’ and race-inspired cutaway front wheelarch, the GT8 has real presence.

If you have a spare £165,000 and want one to secure one of the 150 examples, we have some bad news. At the time of the car’s release, they’d already sold out. Sorry.