Aston Martin Rally GT
Prodrive and AM Racing create rally-spec V8 Vantage
As improbable as it seems, this is a rally-spec V8 Vantage prepared by Prodrive. Called the Rally GT, part of its shakedown testing has included competing in several rounds of the French Rally Championship – in its debut event on the Lyons to Charbonniers Rally it came second in the Series GT class. Aston Martin Racing intends to produce a 'limited number' of the cars, the first of which should be delivered by the end of the year.
The choice of Prodrive as a development partner was a logical one – the Banbury-based motorsport outfit already runs the DBR9 in international sports car racing and also has an enviable reputation in WRC for its efforts with the Subaru Impreza.
Although the Rally GT uses a standard road-car chassis, its integrated roll cage helps to provide extra body rigidity. The road car’s suspension wishbones are carried over, but the springs and dampers are competition items – Eibach springs and three-way adjustable EXE-TC dampers. Similarly, the 4.3-litre V8 is closely based on the road-going unit but is retuned for improved mid-range torque to suit rally conditions. Power is estimated at 420bhp with approximately 302lb ft of torque. The standard transmission is retained, but can be upgraded to a six-speed close-ratio dog engagement 'box.
