Based on the V12 Vantage production car, the GT3 version gets a host of race-worthy upgrades, including a vicious appearance, more hood vents than Darth Vader's helmet, and, of course, serious upgrades to the drivetrain. Those include a dry-sump version of the 6.0-liter V-12 engine pushed farther back in the chassis, an Xtrac six-speed semi-automatic gearbox, a carbon fiber driveshaft, race-spec ABS and traction control, and total output of about 600 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque.
Other modifications include full aerodynamics, including a giant wing, extractor/diffuser, front splitter, ground-hugging side-skirts, and more.
As for the testing phase, the V12 Vantage GT3 had its first outing at Brands Hatch in the U.K., where it covered about 620 miles over two days of tests. Driver Darren Turner said the car "ran like clockwork," and feels "nimble, giving the driver plenty of confidence to extract all the performance from the V12 engine while also being light on its tires." Sounds like a glowing recommendation of the car. We'll see, of course, if it can maintain the pace necessary to pull off victory in FIA endurance racing, including the most demanding race of all, the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
For more Aston Martin endurance racing hotness, check out the AMR-One P1 prototype racer.
