The Cars

2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT4

Developed and built by Aston Martin Racing and prepared by Nicholas Mee Racing, NMR's V8 Vantage GT4 is based on the 4.7-litre V8 Vantage road car and is an evolution of the 4.3-litre Vantage N24. The GT4’s engine has been modified to produce over 30bhp more than the 420bhp standard car, and at 1,330kg it is 250kg lighter – a weight reduction mainly achieved by removing unneeded interior trim and luxuries. The chassis is fitted with a full FIA roll cage while the suspension is significantly modified for optimal track performance. With air jacks and other racing modifications, the Vantage GT4 is a competitive racing car that is eligible for a wide range of sportscar racing including the FIA GT4 European Cup, the British GT4 Championship, the Britcar Endurance Series and the Aston Martin Owners Club Race Series.

Specifications

Engine & Transmission

Aston Martin Racing 4.7-litre V8
ITG cylindrical foam air filters
Reduced cell density primary catalysts
Revised engine calibration (97 RON fuel)
EGR and secondary air system removed
Simplified oil breather system with catch tank
Weight-reduced rear muffler without by-pass valves
FIA-approved 120-litre bag type fuel tank with twin fuel pumps
Six-speed manual transmission
Valeo twin-plate cerametallic clutch with lightweight flywheel

Performance

Max power: over 450bhp
Max speed: over 180mph
Acceleration: 0-60mph in under 4.5 secs

Chassis

FIA approved full rollcage in high-strength steel
Pneumatic jacks incorporating tapping plates
Motorsport towing eyes
Polycarbonate side and rear windows
Re-styled side sill with exposed carbon fibre rib
Quick-release bonnet/tail safety latching with hinges retained
Lightweight aluminium side strakes

Suspension

Single-rate, flat ground Eibach springs with separate helper springs
Stiffened front and rear anti-roll bars
Bilstein suspension, adjustable ride height, aluminium dampers
Front subframe modified for extra camber and castor

Wheels & Tyres

Front - 10 x 18in cast magnesium
Rear - 11 x 18in cast magnesium

Braking System

Radial-mounted four-piston monoblock calipers
Updated two-piece front brake discs
Pagid race pads
Front cooling ducts

Electrical

Reduced weight and optimised route wiring harness
Optima gel lightweight battery
Battery cut-off relay
Switch panel in centre console incorporates re-settable circuit breakers for each fuel pump, extinguisher button, battery cut-off button, heater controls, mirror switch and toggle switches for fog lights, hazard lights, traction control and heated front screen
Panel graphics illuminated by electroluminescent film

Interior

Recaro competition shell seat
Sabelt six-point safety harness with push-button release
FIA compliant plumbed-in gas extinguisher system
Raised driver ’s footrest
Twintex moulded door casings
Weight-reduced, Alcantara-trimmed facia
Shortened one-piece carbon-fibre centre console
Quick-release, suede-trimmed steering wheel

Options fitted

Two-way adjustable dampers
Passenger seat and safety harness
Dual dry break fuel fillers
HANS seat and safety harness
Air jacks including lance
Pair of GT4 xenon spot lights
Endurance fuel tank - 120 litre capacity
Pi Clubman display, shiftlight and datalogger  ·
Rear rain light
Air conditioning

Dimensions

Length: 4,380mm
Width: 1,865mm (excluding mirrors)
Height: 1,210mm
Wheelbase: 2,600mm
Front track: 1,580mm
Rear track: 1,590mm
Kerb weight: 1,350kg (excluding fuel)