Not long after the 2019 Vantage's reveal, Aston Martin announced the vehicle will also have a GTE racing variant. The Aston Martin Vantage GTE Racing car will even be participating in the World Endurance Championship series beginning in 2018. Aston Martin is hoping to create a proper successor to their V8 Vantage GTE, the current leading competition car since 2008.

While this is a variant of the road legal Vantage, the racing version is more than just a new body. Aston reports having worked on the racing variant alongside the street driving one, and that they both have been tested and refined thoroughly to suit their needs. Technical director Dan Sayers led the development of the racing version. Sayers had proven his legitimacy when he led the development of the V8 Vantage GTE.

What's under the hood though? The 2018 Aston Martin Racing Vantage GTE uses a Mercedes-AMG-developed twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8. This is the same engine as the standard road car, and considering GTE regulations, the racing version likely also pushes out 503 hp. Tires are by Michelin, brakes are by Alcon, and the suspension is by Öhlins.

Last years driver lineup will remain for the upcoming WEC seasons, and Aston Martin plans to return to the 12 Hours of Sebring, a race on the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship calendar, by 2019.