Aston Martin Vulcan: over 800 hp and 24 units for track use only

The Vulcan will share the spotlight with the Vantage GT3 at Aston Martin in Geneva.

The British brand has just published the first official images and details of its new Vulcan, the most brutal model it has ever conceived. This supercar will be presented at the Geneva Motor Show alongside the Vantage GT3, and it has plenty of weapons to steal some attention from the McLaren P1 GTR.

Its spectacular exterior design exudes imposing presence and power through every curve, while integrating several signature features typical of a Aston Martin, such as the front grille, the “gills” on the front fenders, and the shape of the rear lights, which evoke those of the One-77. The Gaydon manufacturer adds that this aesthetic language will inspire the image of its next sports cars.

Many components reflect what it has inherited from racingThe Vulcan carries the principle of applying knowledge gained in competition to the highest level ever known for Aston Martin. It features a monocoque chassis in carbon fibre, a magnesium torque tube, and a drive shaft also in carbon, with racing Brembo brake calipers mounted on ceramic discs measuring 380 mm in diameter at the front and 360 mm at the rear, resulting in a power-to-weight ratio that exceeds that of GTE-Pro category vehicles.

The over 800 hp (Aston Martin will not reveal the specific technical characteristics and performance until its track presentation in 2015) generated by its seven-litre V12 engine is sent to the wheels through Michelin racing tyres via a Xtrac sequential six-speed gearbox mounted in the rear.

The wide variety of lightweight materials used in its bodywork and chassis gives it an optimal power-to-weight ratio.

Although it meets all FIA safety standards, driving it requires first completing driving courses.Power control and vehicle handling are also managed by a limited-slip integral differential, pushrod suspension with anti-dive geometry, adjustable dampers, and adjustable ABS and traction control systems .

All of this, combined with the front and rear anti-roll devices, allows the Vulcan to comply with FIA safety standards. However, these measures will not prevent the twenty-four bold Vulcan owners from first completing a driving course taught by veteran racing drivers who have raced for Aston Martin, such as Darren Turner.

Customers will have almost any colour and combination they can think of to personalise their unit.

Next year, the lucky owners will be able to put what they have learned to the test at various track days organised by the brand.These courses will put owners behind the wheel of a V12 Vantage S, a One-77 and a Vantage GT4, as well as simulators to detect errors and calculate lap times, as preparation for driving their respective Vulcans. From 2016, Aston Martin will organise several track days giving them the opportunity to finally put their new skills to use and make the most of the supercar’s potential on the track.

Pending confirmation of the stratospheric price at which the Vulcan will be sold, the brand already announces that this figure will grant the right to an endless range of colours, combinations and personalisation options, in addition to the special treatment that is part of the Q service offered to its most select customers.

Source | Aston Martin