Revamped Beast: 2011 Aston Martin Vantage GT4
When the British marque, Aston Martin, set the stage for the reveal of their updated Vantage GT4 for 2011, the audience was gripped by anticipation. Marking a significant evolution for the series that debuted in 2009, the new V8-engined race car dons an attire inspired by its bigger sibling, the V12 Vantage. This revised model flaunts improved aerodynamics, a retuned 4.7-liter engine with heightened power and torque, and marks the debut of a race-tailored Bosch ABS and traction control system.
A Salute to its Heritage
Keeping a firm grip on its origins, the 2011 Vantage GT4 retains many attributes from the V8 Vantage road car. This includes the robust aluminum chassis, the basic engine architecture, and suspension design. A closer look, however, reveals the efforts made by Aston Martin Racing to take this model several steps forward, without forgetting where it came from.
Aero Dynamics and Power: A New Chapter
As for the aesthetically pleasing updates, Aston Martin has made a substantial effort to boost performance. At the front, a new splitter serves dual purposes: enhancing downforce and directing cooling air to the brakes and radiator. The rear sees the addition of the larger boot 'flip' from the V12 variant. Combined with a new carbon-fiber diffuser and a redesigned underfloor, these features aim to establish a low-pressure area beneath the car to further augment downforce. Plus, the newly designed underfloor also diverts more air towards a rear-mounted high capacity transmission oil cooler. All in all, the Vantage GT4’s aerodynamic enhancements seek to maintain a delicate balance between performance and stability.
Boosted Performance Credentials
One of the major upgrades comes under the hood with the remapped 4.7-litre engine. The result is a noticeable hike in power and torque, catering to those craving enhanced performance on the track. But Aston Martin Racing didn't stop there. For the first time in the model's history, the car can be outfitted with a race-developed Bosch ABS and traction control system. This system has been carefully calibrated by Bosch Motorsport to give the Vantage GT4 a competitive edge, providing optimized performance under varied conditions, whether it's a wet track after a downpour or a bone-dry circuit under the blazing sun.
Proven Track Record
With over 80 Vantage GT4s sold worldwide in just two years, Aston Martin Racing has proven its capabilities in creating successful race cars. The GT4's past victories include prestigious events such as the European GT4 Cup, Dubai 24 Hours, Nürburgring 24 Hours, and the Spa 24 hours. Furthermore, it sparked the launch of a dedicated one-make series, the Aston Martin GT4 Challenge of Great Britain, which was topped in its inaugural year by Chris and Ant Scragg. As a testimony to its adaptability, the updated Vantage GT4 will be eligible for this Challenge, as well as the European GT4 Cup and any other GT4 class series.
A Glimpse into the Future
As Aston Martin Racing continues to raise the bar in the realm of GT racing, the 2011 Vantage GT4 is a testament to their commitment to innovation and performance. While it pays homage to its successful predecessors, this new iteration also boldly points towards the future. It promises enhanced drivability, an optimized performance envelope, and the potential to continue its winning streak. Only time will tell how this promising GT contender shapes the contours of GT4 class racing in the years to come.
-Ed
2011 Aston Martin Vantage GT4
