Aston rallies to the cause

Colin McRae is not the only big name coming back to rallying after a lengthy layoff.

Aston Martin is the latest, and most unlikely, recruit to the world of bobble hats and waterproof trousers.


Based on the V8 Vantage, the Rally GT has been developed by Prodrive, the force behind the Subaru Impreza WRC cars and Aston's very own DBR9 endurance racers.

Little is changed in the cabin other than sports seats, racing harnesses and a full roll cage.

Under the bonnet, however, the 4.3-litre V8 has been tweaked to shove power up to 420bhp, and torque swells to 302lb ft.

All of this passes through a modified and strengthened six-speed manuals gearbox.

There's no four-wheel drive for the Rally GT, but the suspension benefits from Eibach rally springs, EXE-TC shock absorbers and 18in wheels.

Only a few Rally GTs will be built and the first are due to reach customers late in 2006. These owners have already committed to taking part in tarmac rally events.

© Source: original article on topgear