The 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine and transmission are both based on the Vantage road car components, the primary changes being to the electronic control systems; the former running a Bosch Motorsport ECU with bespoke software developed by AMR; the latter installed with ZF/AMR Motorsport software to control the otherwise production standard automatic transmission. The bespoke software ‘converts’ the eight-speed transmission into a six-speed paddle shift without an auto mode, locking-out the seventh and eighth gears which are road-going overdrive ratios fitted for fuel economy at cruising speeds.

Changes to the electronic systems are made primarily to ensure precise control of the engine’s management and turbo control systems to meet strict Balance of Performance criteria defined by GT4 championship organisers. They are also employed to optimise gearshifts and run motorsport-specific traction control. The Vantage GT4 cockpit also features the latest Bosch BDU 11 display, which replaces the road car’s instrument visuals.

Chassis modifications are also driven by regulations. Inboard suspension mounting points remain the same as the production road car’s, with some permitted changes to suspension linkages. This is to provide the correct camber range for a racing application, and to suit the mandated 18” diameter wheel and tyre package, which is significantly smaller than the 21” wheels fitted to the new road car. The Vantage GT4 uses new bespoke forged aluminium wheels to AMR’s specification.

A highlight of the dynamic package are new two-way adjustable KW dampers, supplied as part of AMR’s wider technical partnership with the renowned suspension manufacturer. Based on extensive feedback from drivers over the past six years, the new car has been developed to inspire an increased feeling of precision and control through its driving dynamics, while maintaining the same vital driver-friendly traits and exploitability that made the previous Vantage GT4 such a popular race car among its driver-base.

Visually the Vantage GT4 closely resembles the stunning design of the new Vantage, with regulations permitting only modest changes from the road car design. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) were used to optimise the GT4’s aerodynamic package. Input from Aston Martin’s Design department ensure these changes are perfectly integrated into the final design.

The majority of the Vantage GT4’s body panels are standard production items. The exception being the bonnet, which allows for the incorporation of air outlets and is made from a sustainable natural flax fibre composite, with stiffening via a cork core material. GT4 regulations also allow limited aerodynamic changes. In the case of the new Vantage GT4 this means a larger front splitter and the addition of a new rear wing. The result is an increase in downforce and a reduction in drag compared to the previous Vantage GT4.

Attention has also been paid to airflow management, specifically cooling air to the engine and brakes. Both have benefitted from the design of the new Vantage; its larger radiator aperture allowing for greater mass of air flowing through the engine’s cooling system. There is also a significant increase in ducted air to the brakes. Crucially both these gains have been achieved without disturbing airflow over the rear wing.

After completing an exhaustive development programme the new Vantage GT4 made its international racing debut in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge event during last month’s Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona meeting, in Florida, USA. Production is now well underway, with a number of cars already in the hands of customer teams, and AMR busy building orders for more than 40 units during the 2024 season.

Through its various iterations since arriving on the world stage in 2009, the Aston Martin Vantage GT4 has been a consistent class-winner in GT series and endurance events around the world. Since its launch in 2018 the outgoing generation of Vantage GT4 has gained an increasingly impressive reputation; a fact reflected in the number of teams who have chosen to run them in countless international endurance races, national GT series, domestic club racing events and trackdays.

By carrying that momentum and building on its legacy, the new Vantage GT4 is the go-to-choice for professional racers and amateur enthusiasts alike, providing a fast, reliable and exploitable package with which teams and drivers can challenge for victory.