New Aston V12 Vantage GT3

Today is a good day. Today is the day we find out all the numbers behind the racey Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3, the insane-looking successor to AM's sumptuous DBRS9.

Like its forbear, it's got a tuned production V12. The 6.0-litre's been dry-sump'd and shuffled down a bit in the engine bay to improve weight distribution and runs through an Xtrac six-speed sequential ‘box with a semi-automatic paddle shift. There's special carbon propshaft sending power to its rump.

See more pics of the GT3 here

But how much power, we hear you scream? 600bhp and 700 torques. In a car that'll weigh 1250kg.

To manage said power, it's got a stiffened shell and shorter wheelbase, the suspension geometry's been optimised for its lower race ride height, the fuel tank's been moved behind the driver's seat and there's a steel roll cage that helps prevent contortion through cornering and, erm, rolling.

There's also race-developed ABS and traction control systems, enormous six-pot front calipers, a racing clutch, high speed pneumatic jack system, carbon fibre dash and as fire extinguisher system, which means you can literally take it from the showroom to the track (albeit on a trailer - it's not road legal).

It's eligible to run in several series, including the FIA GT3 Championship, ADAC Masters, Nürburgring VLN, Blancpain Endurance Series, British GT, Belcar and Open GT.

How many pounds do you need to exchange one with? £298,000.

This or a 458 GTC, TopGear.commers?