The outgoing Aston Martin Vantage GTE racecar was a serious competitor on the track, most recently in this year’s Le Mans, where it engaged in a gruelling battle in the hands of Jonny Adam, who managed to conquer the Chevrolet Corvette (driven by Gordon Taylor) in the closing minutes and snatch the GTE title.
Now that the reveal of the new Vantage has taken place, a new track-based variant (developed in parallel with the road car) has broken cover. So, this is the new Aston Martin Vantage GTE that will be competing in next season’s WEC.
The Vantage GTE uses an “optimised” version of the Mercedes-AMG twin-turbo 4,0-litre V8 that is employed by the road car, although its exact power output has not been revealed. The racing version also receives revisions to its drivetrain, chassis and aerodynamics and has already undergone 13 000 km of testing. Official parts suppliers include Alcon brakes, Öhlins suspension and Michelin tyres.
Aston Martin Racing also revealed that it will retain its drivers (the aforementioned Adam, Darren Turner, Nicki Thiim and Marco Sørensen) for the 2018 WEC season. Ex-GP2 race-winner and now Formula E competitor Alex Lynn will also join the roster.
Aston Martin will debut its Vantage GTE at the 2018 WEC 6 Hours of Spa.
