Aston Martin holds an irreplaceable place in my heart as my all-time favorite manufacturer. From gracing the screens of James Bond movies to dominating the racetrack, Aston Martin consistently produces captivating machinery that's not just visually stunning, but awe-inspiring. The symphony of an Aston V8 or V12 engine is unmatched in its resonance and allure.
Luckily, this remarkable sound is recreated in ACC, where the Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT3 emerges as one of the best sounding GT3 cars. The introduction of the 'new' Vantage into GT3 racing marked the formidable return of the British manufacturer, asserting itself as a compelling force in the world of motorsports.
Performance 4/5
A front-engined powerhouse armed with a robust 4-liter V8 twin-turbo, it's the ideal entry-level car for ACC newcomers. With its abundance in power and great low end-torque, the Vantage is the perfect contender on both narrow and open tracks!
The Aston is easily one of the most forgiving cars available in the game, as its friendly nature makes it easy to navigate the car around most race tracks. Its engine is a potent contender amongst the newer, turbocharged six-cylinders. The twin-turbo V8 does have a slight tendency to struggle with grip on the rear axle, but nothing uncontrollable.
Handling 4.5/5
What stands out most is the overall great balance. Not always a feature that can be expected from a front-engined supercar. Yet the Aston feels smooth and great as an all-rounder. The car is stable and composed, allowing you to push very early on. Most of all, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT3 is predictable and gives you plenty of feedback through the steering.
It handles surprisingly well over curbs, allowing you to fully use the available track. Cutting inside curbs is no problem for the Vantage. Neither are banked corners or bumpy road surfaces.
Personally, I found that one of the weaknesses of the Aston is braking. Likely caused by the engine being placed at the front, the car has an eagerness to understeer. It takes some getting used to at first, trying to balance the brakes going into a corner. You don’t have to trail brake as deep into the corner as with other cars.
A key ingredient in finding the best performance from the Vantage is using the Traction Control. Like I said earlier, the twin-turbo V8 has the tendency to oversteer on corner exit. The turbos kick in relatively late, meaning you’re already on the power when you get a surge of torque. This often messes up your lap times as you’re sacrificing valuable drive out of corners. That being said, you’ll have a hard time finding a car that turns better mid-corner.
How to make the Aston Martin V8 Vantage faster in ACC?
- Traction Control Optimization
- Adjust the Gain and Slip settings of the traction control to find the optimal balance between electronic intervention and driver control.
- Suspension Tuning:
- Experiment with the ride height to find the right compromise between aerodynamic efficiency and stability.
- Adjust the spring rates to enhance cornering grip and reduce body roll.
- Aerodynamics Adjustments:
- Modify the front and rear wing angles to tailor downforce levels for specific track conditions.
- Consider the trade-off between high-speed stability and low-speed maneuverability when adjusting aerodynamic settings.
- Brake Balance and Bias:
- Fine-tune brake bias to optimize braking stability and prevent lock-ups.
- Adjust brake pressure and balance to suit your driving style and track conditions.
Conclusion
It’s fair to say that the Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT3 is a great all-round contender for any skill level. If you’re just starting out with ACC, it’s a car you’ll find easy to drive and learn the ropes. If you’re seasoned, you’ll find a great handling car that allows you to really push for that extra tenth.
Yes, the rear of the car is lively to say the least, but if you manage it carefully, you can turn that into a strength! The car turns mid-corner like no other. And man… that sound…
