Aston Martin LMV/R

Aston Martin V8 Vantage buyers with a bit (well, a lot) of spare cash will be able to turn their cars into something a heap less subtle.

American tuner Elite has come up with this LMV/R (Le Mans Vantage Racer) package that cranks the coupe’s aggression way past 11, and aims it straight at hardcore supercars like the Ferrari 430 Scuderia and Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera.

While it’s just a mock-up for now, Elite says the finished car’s weight will be considerably down on the standard Vantage thanks to extensive use of carbonfibre inside and out. There are aerodynamic tweaks, too, with an abundance of new air intakes and a hefty rear wing.

The springs are lowered, while there’s a bigger brake kit surrounded by matt black 20in alloys. The exhaust is beefed up via a sports muffler and there’s an Alcantara-clad interior to remind you of your car’s relative uniqueness while driving.

All the developments should improve the Vantage’s already impressive performance, the standard 420bhp, 4.7-litre V8 dishing up a 4.7sec 0-60mph time and a 180mph top speed.

Elite is currently seeking an Aston Martin dealer in the US to help sell the LMV/R kit, but the plan is for 30 cars to be sold like this, with the changes made when buyers’ brand new cars have been delivered to their respective dealer, meaning you can order a fresh Vantage in any colour you like before having it Elite-ed.

You’ll have to be reasonably wealthy, though – as well as splashing out on a spanking new Vantage, you’ll need an extra 173,000 dollars (approx £102K) to make it an LMV/R. Oh, and you’ll have to live in America too. Looks cool, though…