Aston's rally racer unveiled

Johnathan · **Postat:** 2006-10-18, 15:05

Impreza World Rally Car not good enough for you? Bored with Xsara WRCs? Then you need the gentleman racer's rally car, namely the Aston Martin Rally GT.

Developed by Prodrive, the same firm which runs Subaru's rally campaign, the Rally GT is based on a regular V8 Vantage. However, its engine now produces 420bhp and 302lb ft of torque. The car is fitted with a full competition roll cage and Eibach springs. Surprisingly, it comes with a standard gearbox, but a close-ratio version is available on request.

The Rally GB was originally developed for shipping magnate Frederic Dor, a long-time Prodrive customer and occasional Le Mans driver. It's already competed on a couple of French championship events but don't get any ideas about taking it onto gravel - this is an asphalt rally car only. Prodrive says customer deliveries should start before the end of this year.

Rumours also suggest that the car might make a star appearance at the Race of Champions, the annual 'race v rally' event at the Stade de France in December.

Sourced at Autocar UK

You can see a video of it here ..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOjLkRWt4I8