“We long held the desire to create a road car that truly reflects our racing activity at Le Mans. With the Vantage GT8, we’ve finally been able to achieve that. By focusing on weight savings and aerodynamics, we’ve taken the V8 Vantage to an entirely different level of agility and aggression. It’s a hugely exciting car honed to the keenest possible edge.” David King, Director of Aston Martin Special Projects and Motorsport.
Inspired and influenced by the 2016 Aston Martin V8 Vantage GTE race car, the Vantage GT8 is the lightest and most powerful V8 Vantage ever.
The Vantage GT8’s carbon fibre bodywork has been shaped by race-bred aerodynamic function. With a super-sharp chassis tuned for track-focused agility, it is powered by a revised 446PS version of Aston Martin’s rousing 4.7-litre V8.
From nose to tail the motorsport inspired special edition is every inch the road racer. Wide-bodied with aerodynamics that clearly take their lead from Aston Martin Racing’s WEC contender, it features extensive use of carbon fibre with the front splitter, front and rear bumpers, fenders, side sills and rear diffuser all fashioned from the lightweight material. One of the most striking standard features is the cutaway front wheelarch, which mimics that of the GTE racer. For the most extreme aero configuration, the (optional) Aero Pack adds the large rear wing and additional corner elements to the front splitter.
Weight saving is central to the Vantage GT8. A lithium ion battery, an (optional) titanium centre mounted exhaust (-14 KGs over the standard in stainless steel), lightweight carbon fibre sports seats (with manual adjustment) and door panels saves up to 100kg compared to the standard car, making the Vantage GT8 the lightest Vantage ever.
“Road cars are our business, but racing is the beating heart of Aston Martin. The Vantage GT8 expresses that combination perfectly” Dr Andy Palmer, Aston Martin CEO.
GT8 Press Launch
An interview with Marek Reichman:
GT8 reviews (in video)
“[to Santa] please can I have a GT8, pleaseee!” Steve Sutcliffe, AutoExpress
“…It is a wonderful, wonderful car” Matt Prior, Autocar
“I think this is a wonderful car..” Dan Trent, Pistonheads
300 KMh on the Autobahn, by Sport Auto
GT8 reviews (on paper)
Aston Martin Vantage GT8 review – does racing improve the breed? (Henry Cathpole, Evo)
“The Vantage GT8 made its way onto our 2016 car of the year test. (…) its old-school character charmed almost all the judges”
Rating: 5/5 stars
Courtesy of Evo
“On the circuit, meanwhile, grip and high-speed stability are both of the first order, and cornering balance, chassis communicativity and limit handling are exceptional.”
Rating: 4.5/5
Courtesy of Autocar
“It sounds totally unique and is utterly addictive at all speeds. If it were my fantasy £165,000, I think this is where it would go. The GT8 is worth every single penny, and then some.”
Courtesy of Auto Express
First Drive Review: the Aston Martin Vantage GT8 (Jack Rix, TopGear)
“This is Aston at its best – a raw, analogue type of car that’s bursting with character, but backs that up with genuine agility.”
Courtesy of Top Gear
Aston Martin Vantage GT8 review (Chris Chilton, Car Magazine)
“…is still bang on the pace when it comes to delivering a truly immersive driving experience.”
Courtesy of Car Magazine
Aston Martin Vantage GT8 review (Kyle Fortune, Complete Car)
“…it’s going to be a tough car to replace”
Courtesy of Complete Car
Autocar Britain’s Best Driver’s Car 2016
“The Aston, as it turns out, has well and truly won me over on the route up to north Wales. There’s a solid chassis and driveline to back up the sound.” (Matt Prior)
“…excellent pedal positioning for heel and toe down-changes plus steering that’s still among the best here” (Andrew Frankel)
“..the Aston is one of the most engaging cars on the road” (Matt Prior)
Courtesy of Autocar
“a car that, to be fair, still possesses one of the most beautiful exterior forms of any car, at any price”
“..with a terrifically direct six-speed manual ‘box (Speedshift is an option, but manual is surely the way to go), and a handling repertoire so natural and full of feel that it left our Henry Catchpole in raptures, the GT8 is a car that rewards far more on the road than it does when viewed on paper.”
Courtesy of Evo
Collectable super sports cars shift into overdrive, James Mills Driving (The Sunday Times
“Aston Martin’s head of design, Marek Reichman, described the car’s philosophy as “taking a walk on the wild side”.”
Courtesy of Aston Martin Lagonda
GT8 Club. Meet | Drive | Inspire