[Video] Aston Martin Returns to Endurance Racing with the New Vantage GTE

This year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans will see Aston Martin’s return to endurance racing.

Aston Martin has just officially announced their return to FIA World Endurance Championship racing and they are doing so with a new racecar. The Vantage GTE is a stunning and fitting replacement for their Vantage GT2, of which it is based.The new Vantage GTE marks the first time since 2008 that Aston Martin will field a racer in Le Mans racing. Decked out in Gulf Livery, the new Vantage model features upgrades and improvements in the areas of handling, drivetrain, engine and suspension.

Running on a 4.5-liter V8 engine, it features new cylinder heads, valves, camshafts, connecting rods and a racing-spec exhaust. The engine is paired to a six-speed sequential gearbox.

"It's great to be returning to our core motorsport activity; production-based GT racing. It formed the basis for Aston Martin's return to competition when the DBR9 GT1-racer was launched in 2004, and it was in GT racing that we achieved our famous victories at Le Mans in 2007 and 2008," said Aston Martin Lagonda Chairman David Richards.The new Aston Martin Vantage GTE will make its competitive debut in the 12 Hours of Sebring in March before tackling the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Three drivers have been named so far, being Stefan Mucke, Adrian Fernandez and Darren Turner.

[Video] Aston Martin Returns to Endurance Racing with the New Vantage GTE