The changes made by Aston Martin to the Vantage GT3 model have been so extensive that many believe it feels almost like a completely new car rather than just a mid-cycle refresh. The redesign includes a complete overhaul of the suspension, bodywork, and even the introduction of a new electronics system. According to Sorensen, a driver of the Vantage GT3, there is very little left of the original car other than the seat itself. The new Vantage GT3 might look similar to its predecessor, but in reality, it is essentially a brand-new vehicle that offers a completely different driving experience.
Testing the New Vantage GT3
The debut of the new Vantage GT3 in the World Endurance Championship revealed some interesting insights into the performance of the car. Heart of Racing’s Ian James, who had the opportunity to drive the 2024 Vantage at both Daytona and Losail, found that the new car was much easier to handle compared to the previous version. He noted that the car is more consistent, looks after its tires better, and has closed the performance gap between drivers of different skill levels. This indicates that the changes made to the Vantage GT3 have significantly improved its overall drivability and handling.
Despite the promising performance of the new Vantage GT3, the car faced some challenges during its debut at the IMSA SportsCar Championship. The single GTD Pro example entered by Heart of Racing finished six laps off the lead in fourth place, while both Vantage GT3 cars in the regular GTD class retired from the race. However, the car showed its potential in the World Endurance Championship, with teams like Heart of Racing and D’station finishing on the podium in the LMGT3 class. This success can be attributed to the improvements made in the new Vantage GT3, which have enhanced its overall performance on the track.
As the new Aston Martin Vantage GT3 continues to make its mark in various racing championships, it is clear that the extensive redesign has paid off. Drivers like Sorensen and James have highlighted the improvements in drivability, handling, and consistency, which have made the car more competitive on the track. With more races and competitions on the horizon, it will be interesting to see how the new Vantage GT3 performs against its rivals and whether it can maintain its podium finishes in the upcoming events. Overall, the redesign of the Vantage GT3 has proven to be a successful endeavor for Aston Martin, showcasing their commitment to innovation and performance in the world of motorsports.
Leave a Reply