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| Aston Martin DB7 GT
(V12)
(2002 - 2003) |
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To some of Aston Martins customers, sufficient just isn't enough. That's
probably why the last and most powerful version of the DB7 was introduced at the 2002
British International Motor Show. For just a small premium over the Vantage (up
from £94,680 for the Vantage coupe to £104,500), the DB7 GT has just a
little extra something to tantalise. The V12 was tweaked to deliver
435bhp (up from 420 of the DB7 Vantage) and also additional torque - up from 400
lb/ft to 410 lb/ft. The suspension was substantially modified and had thus stiffened the chassis by 20%. Special attention
was paid to
the aerodynamic balance for high speed stability with the adoption of
additional sweeps for the undertray, wheel arch liner extensions and a
revised boot lid spoiler which emphasises the new look. These additions helped to reduce lift by almost 50%.
The car also features twin bonnet vents not dissimilar to those seen on the Vanquish
for better air-flow management and to help dissipate heat. Also fitted
is a distinctive wire mesh radiator grille and lower air intake.
Unique 5 spoke
18 inch alloy wheels are fitted with 245/35 front, 265/30 rear low profile
Bridgestone tyres that provide optimum levels of performance and grip. Also
the GT features a free flowing exhaust with a by pass valve to give an
exhaust note just like the Vanquish. The revised quick-shift gear lever on
the DB7 GT and racing twin-plate clutch enables the driver to
maximise use of the increase in power and torque and offers a faster gear
change than the standard Vantage. Larger Brembo brake discs and upgraded pads also improve
braking performance.
The final drive was changed from the 3.77 in
the Vantage to 4.09 in the GT, so although top speed remains at 185 mph,
acceleration is much improved, reducing the time to 60 mph from 5.7 seconds,
to a shade under 5 seconds.
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Deliveries began in early 2003 when production was split 50:50 between the
V12 Vantage and GT/GTA. It now appears that a total of 190 GT's
were built during 2003, with just 84 of these cars for the UK market and 64 for
the US. Thus if
you want a DB7 for long term ownership, this rare model has to be the one to
go for. |
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DB7 Vantage Zagato |
DB7 GTA
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