High-end automakers like to tell you that their road cars offer the most performance money can buy, but they’re lying. Because what’s to stop you from buying a racecar, if you’ve got the money?
Track-only supercars like the Ferrari XX series and McLaren P1 GTR appear to be the next evolution of performance. They don’t conform to the rules of any race series, but they’re too extreme to be driven on the road.
The Aston Martin Vulcan is the latest example of this mutant breed. Set to debut at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show next week, Mr. Spock would find it highly illogical.
Only 24 examples of the Vulcan will be made, and it’s not road legal.
The Vulcan’s front-mid engined, rear-wheel drive configuration gives it the silhouette of a Vantage, DB9, or Vanquish, but the track special has an ultra lightweight carbon fiber monocoque and styling that makes Aston’s recent One-77 look like a Chrysler Sebring.
A 7.0-liter V12 provides the power, and it’s got plenty of that.
With over 800 horsepower, this is the most extreme version of the basic Aston formula yet. The company says this beast has a better power-to-weight ratio than its Vantage GTE racers.
All of that power is channeled to the rear wheels through a magnesium torque tube and carbon fiber prop shaft. At the back, there’s a six-speed sequential gearbox and limited-slip differential.
Braking is handled by Brembo racing calipers clamping down on carbon ceramic discs. The Vulcan also features pushrod suspension with driver adjustable dampers and anti-roll bars.
Aston says the Vulcan complies with all FIA racing safety regulations, but just in case owners aren’t ready to strap into what is essentially a full-blown racecar, it will offer driver training sessions as well.
Owners will be able to take a spin with professional racers in a V12 Vantage S, Vantage GT4, and even a One-77 to build up to the Vulcan, or avoid the possibility of a humiliating and expensive crash completely by using a simulator.
Aston will release full performance figures and details on the Vulcan closer to its debut later this year. Even reading them may require a fire suit.
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