The Vulcan is a true marvel of British automotive engineering – a track only, genuine race car. Four years after it’s launch it’s still the fastest and most powerful Aston Martin out there – at least until the Valkyrie comes out.
Only 24 were made, each bearing a $2.3 million price tag. Out of those, there is just one road-legal one – this one.
And, it’s going to embark on a 3,000-mile journey across Europ in the Gumball 3000 Rally. Mr. JWW is the fortunate man to sit at the helm and as you’re reading this article, he’s already on his way.
Spending time behind the wheel of this track-focused supercar will be @MrJWW.
He’ll be in the cockpit on 11 June and will be sharing his experience on our Instagram channel: @astonmartinlagonda
For a complete list of entries visit: https://t.co/cxtIMa4IYv #Gumball3000 #Vulcan pic.twitter.com/dxOWyFf3wC
— Aston Martin (@astonmartin) May 24, 2019
The conversion was performed by RML Group and took 18 months to complete. There was a big huge of changes necessary to make the car not only legal on the public road, but also bearable.
Starting at the front, the Vulcan received a new downsized splitter to help deal with speed bumps and road irregularities. Above it – a proper set of headlights which are missing on the original car.
There are side mirrors from a DB11 integrated with turn signals, a windshield wiper, a wiper fluid reservoir.
Check out the ‘Vulcan Bomber’ inspired livery on the only road-legal 820bhp 7.0L V12 Aston Martin Vulcan that will be taking part in this year’s @gumball3000 ‘Mykonos to Ibiza’ Rally starting on the 10 June 2019. https://t.co/hswAbB5cR8 #gumball3000 #gumballlife #Vulcan pic.twitter.com/Tz9vWgHdFR
— Aston Martin (@astonmartin) May 24, 2019
The rear bumper was modified to accept a license plate, fog and reverse lights. They put a clear cover over the tail light blades.
The rear wing is pitched down to decrease downforce and drag. They probably won’t bomb corners at 120 mph on the street. So, with 3,000 miles to go, it helps a bunch to improve fuel economy. There are also turn signals on the vertical slats of the wing.
The Cosworth-developed, naturally aspirated V12 engine produces 820 horsepower and 590 lb-ft. It keeps its power levels, but some tuning has been done to meet emissions standards. Fortunately, there’s a nob that will turn the power down to a more manageable 675 hp and even lower to 500 hp for “normal road driving”.
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The original car was designed to always go fast and sustain sufficient air flow to cool the engine. The road-going Vulcan gets upgrades in this regard to keep engine temperatures in check at a red light or in heavy traffic.
A new clutch and gearing ratios were added help the car pull away easier from a stop.
The suspension has been made softer and more compliant with the varying road conditions. Steering lock has been removed, so the car can navigate slow-speed, low radius turns.
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You won’t see it, but RML claims there’s a lift on the car, as well. What you will is are the new Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires.
The list goes on. There are probably a hundred modifications to this car – small, subtle, but necessary to transform the track-only monster into a compliant road-going vehicle.
Yeah, it’s still a ridiculous race car. But hopefully, with these extensive modifications, it will survive the Gumball 3000. And with Mr. JWW at the wheel, expect detailed coverage of the journey in the coming days.
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