Aston Martin's new 600bhp GT3 racer will be based on the road-going V12 Vantage

Aston Martin has revealed its new Aston Martin Vantage GT3 racer ahead of its competition debut in 2012.

The racer is based on the road-going V12 Vantage architecture, featuring a lightweight dry-sumped 6.0 litre V12 engine. Aston Martin Racing has set a target weight of 1250kg for the GT3 version, with engine performance figures set to reach 600bhp and 516lb ft.

See the official pic of the new Aston Martin GT3 racer

Race-spec features of the Vantage GT3 include a semi-automatic paddle shift Xtrac gearbox, as well as race-developed ABS and traction control systems.

The new GT3 racer takes over from the six-year-old DBRS9 racer from 2012. John Gaw, Aston Martin Racing managing director, said: “The competition has moved on and we needed to create a new car that combines our six years’ experience in this category with the latest race technology to continue Aston Martin’s success in GT3 for many years to come.”

With completion of the first racer slated for July this year, 10 customer cars will then be built to coincide with the start of the 2012 season.

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