Didn't we already do the Vantage?

Indeed we did, as Aston Martin revealed the 2018 coupe earlier today, but now it's the turn of the racing version to take to the stage for the first time. Say hello to the 2018 Aston Martin Racing Vantage GTE, which is set to continue the winning ways of its illustrious predecessor (a two-times class winner at the Le Mans 24 Hours, in case you forgot, among many other victories).

Looks serious...

It is. While the GTE car is clearly from the same stock as the road-going one, the FIA regulations allow for a considerable number of changes, which explains the massive rear wing and equally large diffuser protruding from the back bumper, both are made from carbon fibre - as is the rest of the body. This is no styling buck, either, as AMR has already carried out nearly 10,000 miles of track work, including a 30-hour test in Spain. Apparently there's a flat underfloor as well and even the engine has been repositioned a little to optimise weight distribution for racing.

Still an AMG V8?

Yes it is. There's dry sump lubrication now to put up with the rigours of motorsport, a freer flowing Akrapovic exhaust and a pair of new BorgWarner turbochargers. Absolute outputs aren't quoted as it'll vary, but over 540hp and 700Nm of torque is expected. That's directed at the rear wheels via a six-speed sequential gearbox by Xtrac and a mechanical limited-slip differential. Naturally, the suspension of the road car is ditched, too, and the GTE gets fancy Öhlins adjustable dampers, big Alcon brakes and adjustable anti-roll bars.

How about interior luxury?

Erm, no, though there's air conditioning and an electronic drink dispenser, plus a rear-view camera we suspect isn't made for parking. A Cosworth racing dashboard replaces the road car's one and there's a tiny carbon fibre steering wheel festooned with more switchgear.

Shane O'Donoghue - 21 Nov 2017