Mecum 2016 Monterey Auction highlight: 2016 Aston Martin Vulcan

This is Aston Martin's newest, most intense and exhilarating creation ever, the 2016 Vulcan. Only 24 were built, probably because someone at Aston Martin's Gaydon, England headquarters rightly judged the world simply was not ready for more. Whatever the truth may be, this track-only Aston Martin, serial number 11 of the 24 built, is one of the most exclusive automobiles in the world, capable of transporting extraordinarily fortunate souls into raptures of sound and fury unlike any other.

Developed in partnership with Aston Martin Racing, the Vulcan's 800-plus HP naturally aspirated engine is based on that of their GT3 racer, but enlarged to a full 7.0 liters and electronically managed by Cosworth ECU technology. The Inconel and titanium exhaust system's best feature comes during downshifts, when the side pipes crackle and pop while emitting flashes of blue flames. The Vulcan engine can be set at three output levels, allowing the driver to experience increasing power as his skill level improves with track time.

A lightweight torque tube encased in magnesium houses a carbon fiber driveshaft, which spins an Xtrac paddle-shifted 6-speed transaxle sequential gearbox. Sixth gear propels the Vulcan to a higher top speed than Aston Martin's Le Mans GT3 racer, meaning well over 200 miles per hour.

Longtime Canadian partners Multimatic built the all carbon fiber tub using techniques learned from Aston Martin's One77 program. It incorporates an integrated FIA-compliant all-steel roll-cage and a rear subframe designed to carry the transmission and rear suspension and handle the downforce generated by the rear wing. Speaking of downforce, the Venom generates more than it weighs at maximum speed – 3,002 pounds, to be exact, while maintaining stable aerodynamic balance front to rear under both acceleration and braking. The result is more predictable behavior and more stable driver feedback, the better to become acquainted with the car's fearsome grip, cornering power and agility.

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