Aston Martin Vantage GT8: 1 of only 150

03rd Aug 2018

Produced between 2005 and 2017, Aston Martin produced many fine variants of the Vantage. One of the very best, and one of our personal favourites is the glorious Vantage GT8.

One of the most track-focused Aston Martin models available, the GT8 sold out straight away upon launch in 2016. It comes as no surprise as the GT8 takes the very essence of Aston Martin and injects an array of perfectly chosen performance enhancements, which give the GT8 a truly bespoke driving experience.

If you’re into cars, the GT8 is sure to ignite a burning desire for you to get behind the wheel, thanks to the Aston Martin racing car resemblance. Of course, it may not be as graceful and elegant as your typical Aston Martin, but what track inspired car is? Instead, the GT8 looks alluringly serious and has a presence many cars simply cannot match. And that’s before you even turn the key.

Coming at a time when technology has somewhat diluted the true driving experience of the latest sports cars, Aston Martin blended purist driving features, along with some ‘old school’ touches to create a car that will pull on the heart strings. The GT8 is a car that will allure you into finding any excuse to just pick up the keys and fall in love with driving again.

The Perfect Ingredients

State-of-the-art features have made motoring easier, faster, safer and smarter. The thing is, although technology can improve a car, it can also take away some of the magic. Aston Martin decided to sprinkle its own ‘old school’ magic upon the Aston Martin Vantage GT8 by issuing an iconic naturally-aspirated V8 engine, with a capacity of 4.7-litres for the heart of the GT8.

Producing 440bhp, the GT8 offers just 20bhp more than the latest V8 Vantage from the same era. But, power is nothing without control. Therefore, Aston Martin re-engineered the chassis encompassing 25% stiffer springs and dampers – giving a more focused drive. The GT8 is also lighter than a standard Vantage, keeping up with the racing car resemblance thanks to the use of carbonfibre on the roof, door panels, sports seats and even the iconic Aston Martin wings badge. The GT8 sits on lightweight forged wheels too. Along with the carbonfibre, this saves around 80-100kg depending on specific specification choices.

Don’t think for a second that this means the GT8 is uncomfortable and lacking convenience features though. You still get a gorgeous interior, made from Alcantara suede, complemented with DAB digital radio, 700W Dolby Prologic Premium Audio, auto headlights and wipers, dual zone climate control and reversing camera.
Super sticky Michelin Pilot Sport 2 Cup tyres ensure the performance can be enjoyed without worry too.

The real icing on the cake however is the gearbox. Yes, this particular GT8 comes with a proper 6-speed manual for the purist driving experience, which teamed with the V8 growl is the perfect marriage for this particular Aston Martin.

We believe the GT8 is a car that will be celebrated for years to come. The perfect blend of a naturally-aspirated V8 and manual gearbox may seem outdated to some, but for the purist and for those who love to drive, the GT8 is somewhat of a modern-day rarity. With only 150 ever being made, this is surely an Aston Martin that will be remembered as one of the finest ever created.

If you are after a car that will tug on the heart strings, stir the senses and have you grinning from ear to ear every time you turn the key, Stratstone Aston Martin Mayfair would love to hear from you in relation to our glorious Aston Martin Vantage GT8.