Aston Martin Unveils New Vantage Safety Car For 2024 F1 Season

Aston Martin has revealed its new Safety Car for Formula 1 for 2024, the new and improved Vantage sports car.

The British coupe will lead the 20-car F1 grid for the first time at this weekend's Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. This will be the first time many F1 fans will see the new Aston in person, albeit with a few differences from the road-going model.

At the heart of the new safety car is a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine. Despite its high-profile job, the automaker hasn't needed to perform any engine upgrades. That's because the latest Vantage was unveiled with a 30% power bump. The eight-cylinder produces 656 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, good enough for a 0-60 mph sprint time of 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 202 mph.

Its predecessor was berated for being too slow, so these changes should prevent any further criticism from the likes of George Russell.

Aston Martin has equipped the Safety Car with additional aerodynamic upgrades, such as a more pronounced front splitter and revised underfloor aerodynamics. The rear fascia benefits from a new wing fitted in a «bespoke position with a tuned Gurney.» Even the lightbar atop the roof has been streamlined to be more aerodynamic.

Luxurious fixtures and fittings have made way for sensible changes inside the Aston Martin. Recaro Pole Position seats have replaced the leather-trimmed thrones, while a new center console has been fitted to operate the FIA systems and display lap times, a rearview camera, and track positioning of all the race cars.

It may be spartan and practical, but Aston Martin has still trimmed the vehicle with Lime Essence interior details.

The vehicle is painted in Aston Martin Racing Green, the automaker's most popular color for customer cars. It will join the DBX 707 Medical Car, with the duo representing the Gaydon-based brand's commitment to motorsport and Formula 1.

«It is a pleasure to drive the Aston Martin Vantage,» remarked Bernd Maylander, FIA Safety Car Driver. «We need a car that is fast and focused so we can respond quickly and safely when we receive the call for on-track deployment, and Vantage provides that. I have enjoyed driving Vantage during the past three seasons, and I'm