- Aston Martin is developing a hardcore Vantage aimed squarely at the Porsche 911 GT3.
- The Vantage could make over 700 horsepower from its twin-turbo V8.
- A massive rear spoiler, aggressive splitter, vented fenders and a revised diffuser point to a track-focused Vantage.
The closest thing Aston Martin has had to a true rival to the Porsche 911 is the latest Vantage. Not only does it look fantastic, it has the dynamics to keep up with Stuttgart’s best. But if Aston really wants a 911 rival, it needs something that can keep up with Porsche’s most powerful model: the GT3.
That’s where this prototype comes into play. Evidence captured at the Nürburgring by the good people at CarSpyMediaThe Vantage in question has a lot of aerodynamic improvements and, hopefully, a lot of power under the hood as well.
It was expected to sit above the recently introduced Vantage S in Aston Martin’s lineup, and could ultimately serve as the company’s answer to cars like the Porsche 911 GT3. Aston Martin hasn’t confirmed the name or specifications yet, but the prototype suggests it won’t be a slight performance upgrade.
Improved Aero throughout
At the front, the Vantage prototype wears a significantly larger splitter with aerodynamic elements that extend to its outer edges. The grille has also been redesigned, while the front fenders have larger vents designed to help draw air out of the wheel arches.
The side skirts are wider and the rear spoiler is… something. The Vantage prototype features a huge fixed wing mounted high on the rear deck, with large end plates and a design that appears to be inspired by Aston Martin’s most extreme hypercar, based on the Valkyrie.
There is also a substantially revised rear diffuser. Four exhaust outlets are placed close together in the center instead of the two-a-side arrangement used by the regular Vantage. It’s a pretty dramatic departure from the standard Vantage.
Expect more than 700 horsepower
We don’t have details on the powertrain yet, but the current Vantage and Vantage S models offer a decent benchmark. The S uses Mercedes-AMG’s twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8, which produces 670 horsepower. The regular Vantage makes 656 horsepower.
Aston Martin is expected to extract even more power for this model, with reports suggesting over 700 HP. And if you’re wondering, no, we don’t expect it to have a V12. The V8 still makes more sense, especially for a car designed to compete with lightweight, track-focused sports cars like the 911 GT3.
Could I get a manual?
While a V12 seems unlikely, we’re not ruling out a manual just yet. Aston Martin CEO Adrian Hallmark has considered bringing manuals back into the line-up, and the company already offered a seven-speed manual in the previous-generation Vantage AMR.
There’s no confirmation that this Vantage will get one, but a manual would make sense for a car positioned as a driver-focused alternative to the 911 GT3.
Aston Martin hasn’t announced a reveal date, but the latest prototype appears to have a body that’s much closer to production than some of the previous test cars. If we’re lucky, it could appear later this year or early 2027.
