Aston Martin Announces New Vantage GT4 Racer for 2011

It's only been a year since Aston Martin launched its Vantage GT4 racing car, but the British maker has already prepared an updated model for the 2011 season. The revised Vantage GT4 is said to be inspired from the firm's V12 Vantage road car, giving it enhanced aerodynamics and increased downforce, while it also features a number of other improvements.

The 2011 GT4 is closely based on the V8 Vantage road car, with which it is shares the same aluminium chassis, base engine and suspension designs.

The aerodynamic changes up front that include a new splitter, help increase downforce and direct cooling air to the brakes and radiator. At the back, Aston Martin added the V12's larger boot 'flip'. The 2011 car also gets a new carbon fibre diffuser and rear underfloor, which according to Aston Martin, create an area of low pressure under the rear of the GT4, thus increasing downforce while also channeling more air through a new rear-mounted high capacity transmission oil cooler.


Along with the aero upgrades and engine tweaks, Aston Martin is also offering as a first the option of a race-developed Bosch ABS and traction control system that has been specifically calibrated by Bosch Motorsport for the Vantage GT4.

The company said that along with its own one-make series, the Aston Martin GT4 Challenge of Great Britain, the new Vantage GT4 will also be eligible for the European GT4 Cup and all other series with a GT4 class.

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Ginetta Reveals New G55 Sports Car Racer

British sports carmaker Ginetta has revealed the first renderings and preliminary specs of its new G55 racecar. The company also announced that the Michelin Ginetta G50 Cup, a supporting series for the British Touring Car Championship, will change its name to Ginetta GT Supercup, in which both the G50 and G55 will be eligible to compete, starting from next year.


The new G55 is powered by a Ford-sourced 3.7-liter engine delivering 370 hp, coupled to a Hewland gearbox. Compared to the older G50, Ginetta's new racer boasts more powerful front and rear brakes, a new exhaust system and fresh bodywork with improved aerodynamics. The G55 will be displayed for the first time at the Autosport International exhibition on January 13th. Pricing has been set at £75,000.


Ginetta boss, Lawrence Tomlinson, commented on the changes: "The G50 has dominated GT4 since its launch 2 years ago and proved itself as a real stepping stone into the GT4 arena. By introducing the G55 into the new Ginetta GT Supercup, I want to broaden Ginetta's offering to all drivers expanding our career ladder even further and highlight a real route into GT3 - whilst still providing an affordable way to enjoy top level racing".


Teams running the Ginetta G50 will have the option to upgrade their existing car to G55 specs for £25,000 or enroll in a new, part-exchange system. According to the program, the 2011 G50 will be fitted with a 300 hp 3.5-liter Ford engine linked to the same Hewland gearbox.

As for the Ginetta GT Supercup, Mr. Tomlinson said that it will emulate the class structure of other GT championships, such as the Le Mans Series or ALMS, and competitors will benefit from separate points systems and podiums. Entry fees for the race series will be £9,750 + VAT for tge G50 and £11,750 + VAT for the G55.

By Csaba Daradics

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sport car racer