BMW isn't the only European
automaker working on a new GTE racer based on a fresh model it has yet to
reveal for the street. So too is Aston Martin, which is reportedly preparing to
roll out an all-new model to replace its current top sports racer. It'll be
based on the all-new Vantage.
King was more dismissive of rumors that Aston Martin
Racing is bringing Mercedes-AMG into the fold for the new racer, leveraging the
German firm's own considerable expertise – in the powertrain department
especially. Astons and Mercedes compete against each other on the
customer-focused GT3 level, but that's as far up the ladder as Benz currently
goes when it comes to sports car racing.
Run by Prodrive, Aston Martin Racing has an
impressive track record accrued over the past dozen years – long before
Prodrive chief David Richards became Aston's chairman as well. The team has
taken four class wins at Le Mans – including the LMGTE Pro class this year.
It's also won class championships in the European Le Mans Series, American Le
Mans Series, FIA World Endurance Championship. The current Vantage GTE has formed the backbone of its program since 2012.
