The current iteration of the Aston Martin Vantage has been on sale for over 10 years and a replacement for the beloved sports car is coming soon. However, it sounds like the Vantage will be going out with a bang as Autocar reports that the automaker will unveil a special edition later this week. What's really surprising is the idea that Aston Martin is looking to take on the Porsche 911 GT3 RS with the special edition. The car will be called the GT8 and would be a stablemate to the GT12.

Aston sent out invitations out to potential GT8 buyers, which have an early sketch of the car, and claims it will be the lightest Vantage ever made. Just like the GT12 that came before it, the GT8 will utilize carbon fiber, aluminum and titanium to be a stripped out sports car to take on the 911 GT3 RS. It's safe to assume that the GT8 will get a power increase over the V8 Vantage S' 430 hp output. Autocar believes that 0 to 60 mph should take roughly 4.5 seconds, which is three-tenths quicker than the V8 Vantage S. Unlike the 911 GT3 RS, the GT8 is expected to come with a seven-speed manual transmission or Aston's Sportshift automatic gearbox.

Autocar reports that only 150 units of the GT8 will be produced and prices for the sports car will start at roughly $243,000. As with the GT12, customers will be able to pick through some pricey options to tip the final price north of $300k.