New AM GT2

[Christopher]

From PH (sorry!)....

http://www.pistonheads.com/news/default.asp?storyId=17417


ASTON MARTIN GT2 RACE CAR
Aston now only manufacturer to offer cars in every GT racing category

Aston Martin Racing has revealed the first impressions of its new GT2 racing car.

The car will be known as the Vantage GT2, and is based on the V8-engined road car. 

Aston Martin says the new addition means it is now the only manufacturer to offer cars in every GT racing category:  GT1 – DBR9; GT2 – Vantage GT2; GT3 – DBRS9; GT4 – Vantage N24.

The company also wants to show off its green credentials with the car, designing it to run on either standard race fuel or E85 bio-ethanol (where regulations allow).

In 2007, Aston Martin Racing successfully converted a standard DBRS9 to run on E85.

Robin Brundle, Aston Martin Racing’s new managing director, said:  ‘The new Vantage GT2 completes our product portfolio for 2008 with competitive cars now available in every category. 

‘Thanks to our experience with the DBRS9, we have been able to develop a bio-ethanol fuelled version, which will be eligible to compete in an increasing number of series now accommodating this greener fuel, including the American Le Mans Series.’

[geoffd]

This was on DSC last week, along with the news that AMR's plans for 2008 will be announced at the Autosport show on Thursday 10th Jan.

Lets hope the new Vantage GT2 can give the Porsches and Ferraris a run for their money, I wonder if any will get a LM entry this year?  More likely next though I guess.

[Christopher]

Sorry for being a DPM 

[tommy84]

Any chance of a AM LMP?

There are rumours about a "new sportscar project for 2008" which read Lola, Coupe, V12

V12 doesn't leave much of a choice (Audi, Peugeot) but as both are not really willing of giving their cars to customers having a look into the rulebook brings out this
GT1 homologated engine build in at least 1000 units per year

Having a look into GT1 this can hardly be anything else than the AM engine - may be the old Ferrari is still possible...

[Brad Zarse]

The word is that they'll run a closed LMP 1 and LMP 2 format car....

I think you'll find that the master plan is a clean sweep across the classes in 2010/2011....

Now imagine the number of brits who will come to that!

[Steve Pyro]

......I think you'll find that the master plan is a clean sweep across the classes in 2010/2011....

Now imagine the number of brits who will come to that!

Oh dear, better order my camping tickets now then 

[Lorry]

My source tell me that there is an LMP1 car already.  They want to celebrate the 50th aniversary of their outright win with another.  Keep it secret till its announced on Thursday

[Christopher]

From Autosport.

Drayson Barwell to race GT2 Aston

Drayson Barwell Motorsport will be one of the first teams to race the new GT2 Aston Martin Vantage when they compete in this year's American Le Mans Series.

The British team will switch from the British GT championship to the ALMS for this year, although the new car will not be ready to race until the third race of the year at Long Beach.

The car will also become the first bio-fuelled car in the championship, as the team hopes to promote greener racing.

Speaking on the main stage at this year's Autosport International show, team co-owner Mark Lemmer said: "We are proud to be running with such an iconic brand.

"GT2 is a very tough category in the ALMS, and we are under no illusions about how challenging it will be.

"It's going to be a learning year, and it's going to be difficult but we hope to show some competitiveness as the year goes on."

Former British GT champion Jonathan Cocker, who raced the team's GT3 Aston Martin last year added: "Aston Martin have massive experience in sportscars, and I'm hoping the car will be competitive.

"As far as competition goes in GT2 there's nothing better than the ALMS. To be in a position to race for Aston Martin in that championship is fantastic."