Aston Martin reveals extreme Vantage GT8

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Aston Martin has followed up the introduction of its track-focused Vantage GT12 with a new hardcore version of its V8-powered sibling.

The Vantage GT8 has been spun out by the special projects and motorsport division, taking inspiration from the company's racing experience.

According to Auto Express, Aston's Vantage GTE racer stands as the new car's competitive soulmate, with GT8 focussing heavily on aerodynamics and weight-saving measures, making for "the lightest and most powerful version of the V8 Vantage that Aston has ever produced".

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Sitting under the bonnet is a 4.7-litre, naturally aspirated V8 producing 440bhp and 361lb-ft torque, powering the rear wheels through either a seven-speed automated manual gearbox or "joyfully", according to Evo, a simple six-speed manual transmission. It can do 0-62mph in 4.4secs, with a top speed of 190mph.

Keeping it all as light as possible is a raft of carbon fibre panels and attachments. The front splitter, bumpers, sills and rear diffuser are all made from the material, as are the bucket seats and inside door panels. As such, the GT8 weighs in at 3,328lbs – 121lbs lighter than its V12-powered brother and a full 220lbs better off than a normal V8 Vantage S.

Further weight-saving measures are optional, such as a carbon fibre roof, polycarbonate rear screen and a centrally mounted titanium exhaust system. Aerodynamic gains can be specced, too: the optional Aero Pack gives the GT8 even more track-day-based gubbins in the form of a larger rear wing, as well as additional winglet elements on the front splitter.

Three colour schemes will be available – a grey and blue livery alongside a white and green car, while Aston revealed the GT8 in Stirling green and lime scheme, a nod to some of its track siblings. It's still very much a road usable car, though. Inside there's air conditioning and an infotainment system, as well as a sat-nav as standard.

Only 150 examples of the GT8 will be built, with many of them already snatched up by returning Aston customers stumping up £165,000 each. It's the first special-edition car released by the firm this year, with another limited-run Aston – kept firmly under wraps for now - due in time.