What's all this about?

This is a super-focused version of the Aston Martin Vantage that 'bridges the gap' between road and race cars. It's called the GT3 and you should be able to tell just by looking at it that it is going to be awesome.

How so?

Power from the venerable 6.0-litre V12 is up from 573hp in the V12 Vantage S - currently the most potent Vantage in the range - to 600hp, which is good enough news already, but it's made even better by the fact the GT3 is also 100kg lighter than a V12 Vantage S. That's thanks to the extensive use of carbon fibre in much of the body shell (wings, bonnet, door casings and - optionally - the roof) and optional polycarbonate rear windows.

It's a bit extreme to look at, isn't it?

Yes, the aerodynamics package is pretty bold - the front splitter, gigantic rear spoiler and aggressive read diffuser/tailpipe treatment all give the Vantage GT3 the appearance of a bona fide racer. But it is in fact road legal, albeit track-biased. Aston also says that the aero kit isn't just for show, adding 'significant downforce' to the proceedings to help the GT3 corner sharply.

What about the cabin?

Not very 'traditional British' at all, as carbon fibre is everywhere - such as on the centre stack, which features a touch-sensitive control array, in the race-derived bucket seats and on the paddle shifts too. If you don't think it is special enough inside, the brand's personalisation service, Q by Aston Martin, will make the GT3 truly individual for you.

What's the cost of all this?

No confirmation as yet, but only 100 will be built, so you might want to get your order in quickly if you're a rich track-day enthusiast. The Aston Martin Vantage GT3 will have its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in early March.

Matt Robinson - 18 Feb 2015