Aston Martin launches E85-ready GT2 race Vantage
Aston Martin is not a brand that's ever been associated with fuel efficiency or alternative fuels. However, at the Autosport International Show in Birmingham England next week, they will unveil their latest race car based on their "entry level" Vantage model. The GT2 class Vantage will come delivered ready to run on E85. More racing series are starting to allow the use of ethanol as an alternative to gasoline. All the non-diesel cars in the American Le Mans Series ran E10 in 2007 and several of them are expected to run E85 or E100 in 2008. ALMS officials will be making an announcement about 2008 fuel plans at the Detroit Auto Show which we will be covering here.
[Source: Aston Martin]
PRESS RELEASE:
Aston Martin Racing reveals Vantage GT2
Aston Martin Racing has revealed the first impressions of its new GT2 racing car.
Known as the Vantage GT2, the new car is based on the V8 engined Aston Martin Vantage road car. The new car will mean Aston Martin is the only manufacturer to offer cars in every GT racing category: GT1 – DBR9; GT2 – Vantage GT2; GT3 – DBRS9; GT4 – Vantage N24.
For the first time, Aston Martin Racing is designing this car to run on either standard race fuel or E85 bio-ethanol (where regulations allow). In 2007, Aston Martin Racing successfully converted a standard DBRS9 to run on E85.
Robin Brundle, Aston Martin Racing's new managing director, said: "The new Vantage GT2 completes our product portfolio for 2008 with competitive cars now available in every category. Thanks to our experience with the DBRS9, we have been able to develop a bio-ethanol fuelled version, which will be eligible to compete in an increasing number of series now accommodating this greener fuel, including the American Le Mans Series."
Aston Martin chairman, David Richards, will be announcing Aston Martin Racing's 2008 plans at the Autosport International show on Thursday 10 January at 10.45 am.
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