► Stands for Aston Martin Racing
► Limited to 300 cars worldwide
► V8 or V12, Coupe or Roadster
You might remember, amid all the hubbub of the 2017 Geneva motor show in spring, Aston Martin announced a new AMR sub-brand, standing for Aston Martin Racing.
Harnessing a little of the marketability of Aston Martin’s considerable success in international GT racing, CEO Andy Palmer confirmed that every model in the Aston range would be made available as a factory-tuned AMR version.
First of the new series to be released is this car, the Aston Martin Vantage AMR.
Aston Martin Vantage AMR: 300 cars only, choice of engines
Like the rest of the Vantage range, the AMR version is being made available as a Coupe or a Roadster, with either a V8 or V12 engine, and with a choice of paddle-shift or manual gearboxes for both. While the V8 puts out 430bhp, the V12’s power output has been increased to 595bhp, a 30bhp increase over the regular car. Otherwise the differences between the AMR and a regular Vantage are largely cosmetic.
Five colour schemes are available, each with competition livery-style graphics; white and orange, black and blue, silver and grey or blue and red, with a similar Stirling Green and fluorescent lime colour scheme to that used by Aston Martin’s factory racing team available as a ‘Halo Pack’ option.
Production is limited to 300 cars worldwide, 100 of which will be V12s and 200 V8s.
Optional AMR Aero Kit
For the full took-a-wrong-turn-at-La-Source-and-ended-up-on-the-road look, buyers can spec the Vantage AMR with an optional carbonfibre Aero Kit (above), with a jutting front spoiler, dive planes, sill extensions and a fixed rear spoiler on stilts.
Forged AMR wheels in a unique design for the Vantage are another option, as is a titanium exhaust system for V12 versions. It saves 14kg, but most owners are probably more likely to buy it for its aural effects than its mass.
Two tiers to the AMR range
Limited-edition production models like this Vantage AMR form the entry point to the AMR range. Next level up is the rather more serious AMR Pro series, of more extensively modified cars made to order by Aston Martin’s Q personalisation department. Only seven or so Aston Martin Vantage AMR Pro cars are planned for production.
The Vantage shown off on Aston’s stand at the 2017 Geneva motor show was an AMR Pro version, featuring a V8 engine tuned to around 500bhp, adjustable suspension and a rollcage.
Prices for the regular AMR Vantage in the UK start from £97,995, with deliveries scheduled for the last quarter of 2017.
A Rapide AMR model is expected to follow.