Returning as the Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One team for the 2021 season, it's been over 60 years since Aston Martin raced in Formula 1. While the race team has been busy prepping the F1 car for the grid, Aston Martin's road car division has created a version of the Vantage to become the Official Safety Car of Formula 1. Its task was to improve the Vantage's lap times without compromising its ride for the road, which includes not running aggressive track-only tires. As a result, the safety car has been given a power and suspension upgrade and gained a new aero kit. Following the upgrades' success, Aston Martin has created a special edition that essentially replicates the pace car.

The Aston Martin Vantage F1 Edition is far from just an appearance package. In fact, the British automaker claims it's the most track-focused production Vantage to-date. The 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8's power is cranked up from an already spicy 503 horsepower to 527 hp. The F1 Edition retains its peak of 505 lb-ft of torque. However, that peak is sustained for longer and is enhanced by a new tune on the transmission software.

The upgrade in grip and handling starts with the chassis, which has the front structural stiffness improved. Following that, the damper internals have been retuned along with the spring rates to take advantage of the extra stiffness and improve body control.

The special edition aero kit is made up of a full-width front splitter, front dive planes, underbody turning vanes, and an equally unsubtle rear wing. At full tilt, the added aero adds just over 440 lbs of downforce. No special edition would be complete without unique wheels, though. These replace the 20-inch wheels with 21-inch discs and come with lower-profile tires developed for the F1 Special Edition with Pirelli.

The standard Vantage is already a fantastic performer, so this is shaping up to be a stunning special edition. It will be available as a coupe or convertible in several colors, including Gloss Aston Martin Racing Green.

Inside, it's decked out with a mix of Obsidian Black Leather and Phantom Grey Alcantara with either Obsidian Black, Wolf Grey, Spicy Red, or an even spicier Lime Green contrast stitching and stripes.

The Vantage F1 Edition starts at $162,000, and Aston Martin says it's taking pre-orders now.