A bargain motorsport Aston Martin.
Aston Martin is looking to expand its model line a bit by offering up a driver-focused, performance-oriented Vantage GT that comes in at just $99,000. For an Aston Martin, that’s quite a deal and will give a wider customer base the opportunity to get into the British brand. Just because the 2015 Vantage GT starts at under $100,000 doesn’t mean that it’s any less of an Aston Martin either.
The new 2015 Aston Martin Vantage GT was inspired by the Aston Martin Racing motorsports program and features all sorts of race-honed goodies to make driving a thrill. The new GT model will be available in either Coupe or Roadster form along with some classic liveries for that custom-tailored motorsports look.
A 4.7-liter V-8 engine provides all the thrust and benefits from some new power-boosting technology. Above speeds of 3,500 RPM, an air intake valve opens up to provide better airflow into the naturally-aspirated, dry-sump engine while a sports exhaust burbles with that oh-so-special Aston Martin V-8 sound. This works in conjunction with an aggressive spark tune to extract maximum performance from every drop of fuel. The front mid-mounted, all-alloy, quad-cam 4.7-liter sends 430 bhp at 7,300 RPM and 361 lb-ft. at 5,000 RPM through either a six-speed manual or close-ratio, seven-speed Quickshift II automated manual gearbox. This enables the Aston Martin Vantage GT to reach 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 190 mph.
Just like the Aston Martin Vantage GT4 racer that the Vantage GT is modeled after, it is dynamic and quick through the corners. The entire suspension was tuned for performance and is sportier than the standard Vantage model after some careful calibration. Drivers benefit from superb feel thanks to a quick-ratio steering rack as well.
That motorsports DNA is evident in the optional exterior graphics packages available. The 2015 Vantage GT can be fitted with livery inspired by the Le Mans winning DBR1 and DBR2/4 models along with Alloro Green, Jet Black, Skyfall Silver, Mariana Blue and Speedway White colors, and contrasting grille lipstick, mirror covers, rear diffuser blade, and A-pillar/cant rail on the Coupes. Other exterior design accessories include dark-themed graphite-painted, diamond-turned alloy wheels; clear rear taillights with black surrounds; and black headlight bezels, side window surrounds, and textured tailpipes.
Inside, the 2015 Aston Martin Vantage GT gains some new materials and features. A leather or alcantara-trimmed steering wheel with contrasting on-center stitching and black magnesium or carbon fiber gearshift paddles and surround. Aston Martin V12 Vantage sport seats hold passengers in place and feature Plisse Alcantara and trim patters along with the door inserts. Satin chrome dials and carbon fiber door sills add to the exclusivity of the cabin.
The 2015 Vantage GT will open up the Aston Martin ownership experience to a larger market. Prices will start at $99,000 deliveries will begin in the third quarter of 2014 for North American customers.
2015 Vantage GT Specifications
Body:
-Two-seat, two-door Coupe or cloth-cover convertible top body style
-Extruded bonded aluminum VH body structure
-Aluminums, magnesium alloy, composite and steel body
-Extruded aluminum door side-impact beams
-Halogen projector headlamps (main beam)
-High Intensity Discharge headlamps (dipped beam)
-LED rear lamps
Engine:
-All-alloy, quad overhead camshaft, 32-valve 4735 cc V8
-Front mid-mounted engine, rear-wheel drive
-Fully catalyzed stainless steel Sports exhaust system with active bypass valves
-Compression ratio 11.3:1
-Max power: 430 bhp (436 PS) at 7,300 rpm
-Max torque: 361 lb ft (490 Nm) at 5,000 rpm
-Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds
-Max speed: 190 mph (305 km/h)
Transmission:
-Rear mid-mounted ‘Sportshift ll**’ seven-speed automated manual transmission with black
magnesium paddleshifts or six-speed manual transmission with carbon-fiber gearshift surround.
-Alloy torque tube with carbon-fiber propeller shaft
-Limited-slip differential
-Final-drive ratio 3.91:1 (manual) or 4.182:1 (Sportshift ll)
Wheels and Tires:
-Front: 8.5J x 19“ Bridgestone Potenza RE050 245/40 ZR19
-Rear: 10J x 19” Bridgestone Potenza RE050 285/35 ZR19
Steering:
-Rack and pinion, power-assisted steering, 2.62 turns lock-to-lock
-Column tilt and reach adjustment
-Steering rack with 15:1 ratio
Suspension:
-Sports suspension
-Front: Independent double wishbone incorporating anti-dive geometry, coil springs, anti-roll bar and monotube dampers.
-Rear: Independent double wishbones with anti-squat and anti-lift geometry, coil springs, antiroll bar and monotube dampers.
Brakes:
-Front: Ventilated and grooved two-piece floating discs, 380 mm diameter with six-piston monobloc calipers.
-Rear: Ventilated and grooved steel discs, 330 mm diameter with four-piston monobloc calipers.
-Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Track mode
-Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
-Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
-Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
-Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)
-Positive Torque Control (PTC)
-Hill Start Assist (HSA) – Sportshift II only
-Traction control (TC)
2015 Vantage GT Gallery
Source: Aston Martin
Is the new 2015 Vantage GT the perfect sub-$100K Aston Martin?
