Aston Martin has unleashed the latest iteration of its V8 Vantage GT4 race car, which comes into the 2011 race year with several important updates. The new V-8 engined racing car takes design inspiration from Aston Martin’s V12 Vantage road car, giving it enhanced aerodynamics and increased downforce. It also has a remapped 4.7-liter engine offering increased levels of power and torque.

As with the current 4.7-liter Vantage GT4, which made its race debut in 2009, the 2011 car is closely based on the V8 Vantage road car with key attributes being carried over including the aluminum chassis, base engine and suspension design. In addition to the engine and aero upgrades, competitors can, for the first time, choose a race-developed Bosch ABS and traction control system. This system has been specifically optimized by Bosch Motorsport for the Vantage GT4 to provide  race-enhanced performance in both wet and dry conditions.

The Vantage GT4’s new splitter increases downforce at the front of the car, as well as channeling cooling air to the brakes and radiator. At the rear, the car gains the V12’s larger boot spoiler. This works together with a new carbon fiber diffuser and rear underfloor, which create an area of low pressure under the rear of the car, to increase downforce. The redesigned underfloor also channels more air through a new rear-mounted high capacity transmission oil cooler.

Aston Martin has since built and sold more than 80 Vantage GT4s to customers around the world in the last two years and it has become the most successful car in its class. In 2010, it won the European GT4 Cup as well as the GT4 class at the Dubai 24 Hours, the Nurburgring 24 Hours and the Spa 24 hours. The car even has its own one-make series running in the UK.

Other stunners in the GT4 class include the Maserati GranTurismo MC and the Lotus Evora Cup.

[Aston Martin]