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Think of it as going out with a bang, pop and crackle - flaming exhausts and glowing brakes at the end of the Mulsanne Straight.
Aston Martin is preparing to bid farewell to its long-serving Vantage sports car with a pair of models inspired by its racing success at Le Mans and beyond.
The manufacturer has started producing its run of 300 Vantage AMR models, limited editions that represent the first in a series of race-inspired "AMR" machines, and the end of Vantage production.
Available with a choice of 4.7-litre V8 or 6.0-litre V12 engines, the Vantage AMR offers stirring 321kW or 444kW outputs and performance to match. Power goes to the rear wheels through a choice of automatic or manual transmissions, which could make the AMR the last series production car offered with a manual transmission and naturally aspirated twelve cylinder engine.
Aston Martin offers the car in a choice of five bold colour schemes including the stirling green with lime accents used by its team in this weekend's 24 Hours of Le Mans, where the Vantage is making its final appearance as a fully-fledged factory race car.
Other touches include an optional high-downforce aero kit, extensive carbon fibre accoutrements, forged aluminium wheels and a raucous titanium exhaust.
Aston Martin chief executive Andy Palmer says the Vantage was the appropriate car to kick off the brand's AMR line.
"The Vantage has been an incredible success for Aston Martin, both in V8 and V12 forms," he says.
"As our most agile and athletic road car, and our long-time representative in the world of GT racing, it is the perfect model with which to introduce the exciting AMR range.
"Limited production numbers will undoubtedly make them extremely collectible, but they're so good to drive I'm confident we'll see many of them being enjoyed both on the road and at track events around the world."
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