If MI6 technical guru Q offered the new Vantage GT8 to 007 as his transport for the next Bond flick, the super spy would no doubt jump at the chance. But Q would have to first tone down the over-zealous exhaust note. This car’s bassy bellow would instantly destroy the spy’s stealth factor with one extension of the right boot. Without a doubt, the GT8 is the loudest, fastest, most radical looking V8 Vantage Aston Martin has ever made. And it’s addictive. Perfect for Bond.
Testing the Aston Martin Vantage GT8 near Germany's famed Nurburgring racetrack. Photo courtesy... [+]
At a recent test drive near the famed Nurburgring racetrack in Germany, I had a chance to push a pre-production version of the car to its limits, speed-wise and aurally. If you thought the standard V8 Vantage was loud, just open up the GT8’s vocal chords. Pushed to the 7500 rpm redline in any gear, this 150-limited edition Vantage sounds like Richard Wagner’s Ride of the Valkyrie bearing down on you at breakneck speed.
To be totally honest, the exhaust note as it stands right now is a little overbearing. The induction system is set up to go into full battle cry when passing through 4,000 rpm as the exhaust's butterfly valve snaps open. Cruise below that figure and the GT8 just hums along with an addictive burble. In several countries, however, this car’s exhaust decibel reading would exceed accepted levels, and Aston Martin acknowledges that fact. So that’s why we can expect to see the production version “toned down to acceptable levels” says one company press officer.
Inspired by the V8 Vantage GTE race car, the Vantage GT8 boasts oodles of carbon fiber and an... [+]
Inspired by the 2016 V8 Vantage GTE race car, the GT8 boasts less weight, more power, and beefier downforce. The engine is a 440 hp version of Aston’s tried and proven 4.7-liter V8, lightly massaged to deliver 10 extra horses. That enables the coupe to sprint from 0-60mph in 4.4 seconds. Pushed to the 7500 rpm redline, 1st gear peaks at 80 km/h, 2nd at 125 km/h and 3rd at 170 km/h with a claimed top speed of 305 km/h. Power delivery is progressive and deliberate with bags of torque overflowing between 3500 rpm and 6500 rpm. Keep the tacho spinning at around 4000, floor the throttle and a tsunami of torque is there for the asking.
Unlike the vast majority of supercar manufacturers today, the GT8 is available in either 6-speed stick shift or 7-speed automated manual. I tried both and must say that the 6-speed manual is the stand-out transmission. Aston engineers have taken an ageing and slightly clunky stick shift and added smoother more fluid synchros that provide quicker, more precise gear changes, even when powering away at full throttle.
Driving the GT8 is a truly visceral experience. The coupe's acceleration, cornering and exhaust note... [+]
Apart from the GT8’s class-leading soundtrack and effortless power delivery, the coupe’s steering is the biggest surprise. Having slightly adjusted power steering and steering gear ratio, this Aston’s steering response, weight, and cornering feel are as close to perfect as you’ll find on any supercar. Turn into a high-speed corner and the front end tucks in superbly, tracing the line given with pinpoint accuracy and loads of feedback from the road. At lower speeds, the intensely grippy 19-inch Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, however, will bite the tarmac causing minor bouts of understeer. But that's just being picky. Under power, and with the traction control disengaged, the GT8 will powerslide at will, able to break rear traction easily with that stonking V8 and, if you're the Drift King, hold an expertly orchestrated drift thanks to the car’s superb balance.
Adjustments to the springs and dampers also mean that this Vantage offers some of the best ride in its class. Sure it’s stiff but the ride is surprisingly compliant and comfortable for a supercar. With eccentric color schemes and race car spec aeroparts the GT8 looks totally over the top, but Aston insists it’s a genuinely road usable car.
At 1,510 kg, the GT8 is 100 kg lighter than the V8 Vantage S thanks to plenty of carbon-fiber. Aston Martin has employed the lightweight material for the front splitter, front and rear bumpers, side sills, and rear diffuser. As for downforce, the optional Aero Pack adds the huge rear spoiler and extra winglets on the front splitter.
Extra weight is pared thanks to manually-adjustable carbon-fiber bucket seats, carbon door panels, and a slim line lithium-ion battery (as standard), plus a carbon-fiber roof, polycarbonate rear screen and titanium center-mounted exhaust (all optional). Don’t think the only soundtrack is that V8. Because there’s still a 160W stereo, air-conditioner, and sat-nav to maintain the levels of luxury you’d expect. One gripe I did have were with the fixed moulded seats. While the angle of the fixed form seats can be altered, they have no reclining function. That makes them a little uncomfortable over extended periods behind the wheel.
If you want a GT8, you'd better get in early as the 150 limited edition run has almost gone. Photo... [+]
Only 150 examples of the GT8 will be built, each with a price tag of GBP165,000. If you have that kind of cash handy, then I’d recommend getting in now with an order because rumor has it that those 150 cars are almost sold out.
In his next movie, 007 will most probably be offered the totally new DBX concept to take on Spectre or some other super-nasty. But after driving the GT8, I humbly suggest to the franchise’s producers to hold the DBX until the following flick and instead have Daniel Craig roar through the streets of Europe with the most visceral example of an Aston Martin ever seen on the silver screen. He can use the car’s signature soundtrack to wake up his nemesis as he accelerates away from him, then employ one of Q’s trick gadgets to thwart them in their tracks.
