Guide: Aston Martin DB7 GT
Background
During 2002, Aston Martin launched a pair of new DB7 Vantage-based models: the re-styled DB7 Zagato and the driver-focused DB7 GT.
Where the DB7 Zagato was conceived to deliver 99 lucky customers a coachbuilt two-seat experience on a short wheelbase iteration of the V12-engined DB7 platform, the GT underwent similar mechanical enhancement to create the fastest, best handling standard-bodied DB7 before the much-loved model was replaced by the DB9.
Since its arrival back in 1993-’94, the critically acclaimed DB7 had transformed Aston Martin’s fortunes in a manner hitherto unseen by the British manufacturer. A little under 2500 examples of the original straight six-engined version had been sold during the first five years of production, and when the more expensive V12 Vantage was launched in early 1999, sales unexpectedly began to accelerate at an even faster rate.
The GT was conceived as the ultimate expression of the DB7 in standard-bodied trim and was offered exclusively in fixed head Coupe format. It revived the GT moniker last seen between 1959 and 1963 when Aston Martin had offered a performance-tuned version of the DB4 on a special short wheelbase chassis complete with custom aerodynamically profiled front-end styling.
Unlike the DB4 GT, the DB7 GT was not designed as a potential competition car. Instead, it ushered in an array of engine, gearbox, suspension, brake and aero refinements that resulted in a sharper, punchier driving experience.
Following its debut at the Birmingham Motor Show in October 2002, DB7 GT production got underway in early 2003 with the new car priced at a circa 10% premium over a standard DB7 Vantage. It was available in both manual GT and automatic GTA trim until December 2003 when Aston Martin discontinued the DB7. However, the auto version did not get the full fat GT engine as its ZF Touchtronic gearbox could not handle the extra power and torque on offer.
Chassis
The GT was based on the same steel semi-monocoque bodyshell as the standard DB7 Vantage.
Suspension was therefore once again via double wishbones with coil springs and monotube dampers and an anti-roll bar at either end.
To stiffen the GT up by 20%, Aston Martin installed uprated dampers with new front top mounts, a revised front subframe and stiffer bushes throughout. The front lower wishbone was repositioned and the front suspension bump stop was lowered to increase wheel movement and improve ride quality. At the back, an additional lower brace was added to increase stability by reducing toe out under braking.
Although the GT’s Brembo brake system retained 355mm and 330mm diameter discs front-to-rear, they were now grooved instead of cross-drilled and the Aston Martin-branded four-piston calipers were given a distinctive silver finish to match the wheels.
Other brake system upgrades included Pagid RS 4-2-1 front pads, a servo imported from the V12 Vanquish and improved cooling.
The GT also came with a set of handsome new five-spoke wheels that were introduced as an option on the regular DB7 Vantage. They measured the same 18 x 8-inches up front and 18 x 9-inches at the back, but were shod with new low profile Bridgestone tyres: 245/35 front and 265/30 rear as opposed to 245/40 and 265/35 respectively.
As usual, an 89-litre fuel tank was installed over the rear axle.
Engine / Gearbox
To boost power and torque, the GT’s Type AM702 motor came with a custom engine map.
The other addition was an active sports exhaust with Vanquish-style rear muffler bypass valve that reduced back pressure at higher speeds and also produced a sportier note.
Peak output went from 420bhp to 435bhp at an unchanged 6000rpm and from 400lb-ft to 410lb-ft at an unchanged 5000rpm.
Otherwise, the rest of the engine’s specification remained as per the DB7 Vantage.
The AM702 motor was a Cosworth-built all-alloy 60° V12 with dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and wet-sump lubrication. It displaced 5935cc thanks to a bore and stroke of 89mm and 79.5mm respectively. The electronic management system with multi-point fuel injection and Coil-on-Plug ignition was supplied by Visteon.
Compression was set at 10.3:1.
The original Tremec T56 six-speed manual gearbox was uprated with a short-shift lever that gave 16% shorter throws. There was additionally a new 228mm diameter twin-plate AP Racing clutch instead of the 293mm single-plate original which resulted in a 22% lighter pedal effort.
Like the regular DB7 Vantage, a Powerlock limited-slip differential and switchable traction control system were fitted.
The GT also came with a 4.09:1 final drive ratio as opposed to the original 3.77:1 in order to speed up acceleration.
Bodywork
A number of subtle changes were made to the GT’s body that helped differentiate it from the base DB7 Vantage.
Up front, a meshed wire grille replaced the standard slatted item normally used for the primary nose intake.
Further back, the hood was modified to incorporate a pair of discrete power bulges, each of which featured a meshed wire vent to improve engine cooling.
To increase stability, a new boot lid was installed with a more pronounced flip tail spoiler.
Underneath, Aston Martin fitted a new front undertray and new wheelarch liners.
The combined effect of these changes was an impressive 50% lift reduction.
Finally, a GT badge was affixed to the front grille and under the right-hand side tail light (where it replaced the original Vantage script).
Like the DB7 Vantage, composite panels were used for the nose, front wings, sills, boot lid and rear bumper. The rest of the body was mostly fashioned from steel.
Interior
Inside, the DB7 GT came with Sports seats that featured alcantara suede centres as standard.
There was also a unique Black Oak trim package for the dash, centre console and door inserts.
Instead of black dials with a white typeface, the instrumentation and clock adopted a special parchment finish with black typeface.
Satin aluminium alloy was used instead of leather for the gear knob which matched the air-conditioning switchgear and pedal finish.
Full length sill plates engraved with the Aston Martin logo and a DB7 GT script were also new along with a duo-tone steering wheel.
Instrumentation comprised a large rev counter and speedometer flanked to the left by smaller read outs for battery condition and fuel. Off to the right were more small gauges for oil pressure and water temperature.
The list of standard equipment included Connolly leather with alcantara seat centres and headlining, Wilton carpet, electric seats, electric windows, electric mirrors, air-conditioning, driver and passenger airbags, an alarm and a six speaker Kenwood audio system with six CD shuttle.
DB7 GTA
Unlike the manual DB7 GT, the DB7 GTA used the standard DB7 Vantage motor owing to torque and power limitations of the ZF 5HP30 five-speed Touchtronic gearbox.
The ZF unit offered a choice of three driving modes: standard automatic, Sport automatic (with upshifts at higher engine speeds) or Touchtronic where shifts could be manually controlled via either the gear lever (by moving it forwards for up or backwards for down) or via steering wheel-mounted plus (+) and minus (-) buttons.
Peak output was 420bhp (instead of 435bhp) at 6000rpm and 400lb-ft (instead of 410lb-ft) at 5000rpm.
Transmission was through the aforementioned single instead of GT-type twin-plate clutch.
Otherwise, aside from GTA badging, the two variants used all the same equipment.
Options
Aston Martin offered several no cost options for the DB7 GT to include burr walnut, oak, elm or maple wood trim inserts, 18-inch ten-spoke Vantage alloy wheels and Sports seats with plain or perforated leather centres (instead of alcantara).
At additional cost, customers could specify custom paint and interior surfaces, a colour-keyed set of fitted luggage, carbonfibre trim inserts, 19-inch nine-spoke Vantage alloy wheels, Black, Red, Gold or Graphite Grey brake calipers, personalised sill plates, a premium audio system with satellite-navigation, a heated windscreen, Powerfold mirrors, a first aid kit, a golf umbrella and holder, a fire extinguisher, Lambswool overmats and a full-sized spare wheel kit.
Weight / Performance
Aston Martin quoted an 1800kg weight for the DB7 GT which represented a 20kg gain over a standard DB7 Vantage.
Although top speed was an unchanged 184mph, acceleration times were much-improved thanks to the shorter final drive ratio as evidenced by the notably quicker 0-62mph figure which dropped from 5 seconds flat to just 4.6 seconds.
GTA performance figures were identical to the standard DB7 Vantage with a top speed limited to 165mph and a 0-62mph time of 5.2 seconds.
End of Production
Aston Martin discontinued GT production in December 2003 along with the rest of the DB7 range.
A total of 303 examples had been completed during the course of 2003, 191 of which were to manual GT trim (of which 85 were delivered to the UK and 64 to North America).
The remaining 112 were to GTA specification (60 having been delivered to the UK and 17 to North America).
Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: Aston Martin - https://www.astonmartin.com
