The Geneva Motor Show is when the big-name companies have a chance to bring out their big-name toys. This year Aston Martin brought out two track day cars to the show, proving that they are setting the bar and making everyone else try to keep up.
A growing sector of the high performance market is the provision and proliferation of track day cars, some wholly dedicated to the circuits, some can be driven on the road. One such car making headlines at Geneva was the Aston Martin Vulcan, as one can see it was the centre of intense media attention.
The production run of the £1.8 million Vulcan will be limited to just 24 cars and it is intended for circuit use only. Powered by a 7-litre V12 engine, generating a claimed 800+bhp, it will be the most powerful normally aspirated car currently in production. The carbon fibre tub has its roots in the One-77 but the chassis is stiffer and lighter and an FIA-spec rollcage comes with each car. Owners will benefit from a driver training programme to enhance their Vulcan experience.
Another model ready for laps is the Vantage GT3 special edition, another limited production run, 100 cars only folks - so hurry, hurry, hurry! It is based on the already rapid Vantage V-12 S and is intended to bridge to gap between the road going cars and the pure racers. It will also be the ultimate development of the Vantage model in terms of performance. The GT3 weighs in at £250,000, around £100,000 more than then 'standard' Vantage V-12. For that extra money a fixed rear spoiler and diffuser plus a front splitter and other aerodynamic appendages generate a huge amount of downforce. Lightness has been added by utilizing carbon fibre wherever possible and removing creature comforts, so over 100kg has been taken off the weight. All of which adds up to blistering performance and all at 1/6th of the Vulcan's price.
Do you think any other company is keeping up with Aston Martin? I still have more Geneva Motor Show coverage, so stay tuned to find out!