Aston Martin Vantage GT4

By Owen Mildenhall

April 2011

• Rating:

Like all great sports car producers, for Aston Martin the gap between road and race cars is a small one. And the car that bridges that divide is the Vantage GT4.

This is the entry level track model in a range that stretches through the recently announced GT3 Vantage, flagship GT2 version and mighty LMP1 prototype, so the GT4 is designed to be driven by amateur and professional drivers alike.

From behind the wheel, the familiar blue Aston dials and glass start button remain but the stripped out cabin reveals the bonded aluminium chassis that lies at the heart of the Vantage.

The lack of soundproofing allows you to fully appreciate the 4.7-litre V8 too, while the amount of acceleration leaves you in no doubt to the cars performance. Once the slick tyres are warm, grip levels allow you to carry speed into the corners and there’s plenty interaction with the road.

The balance between front and rear grip is excellent and the direct steering offers lots of feel. Unlike some GT racers the Vantage gives you the confidence to push straight away. The body feels impressively rigid and body control is excellent, yet there’s a little bit of suppleness to the suspension that road car drivers would recognise.

The latest car features the option of fitting a new Bosch developed traction control system, while fully adjustable dampers are also available. In the UK the new GT4 Challenge gives owners the opportunity to race the Vantage in a one-make series.

Plus with GT4 categories in championships around the world, it’s easy to see how Aston has already managed to sell 90 GT4’s and original N24 race cars since their debut in 2005.