GT40 EV is first model from partnership between UK firm Everrati and US-based Superformance
An electric-powered remake of Ford’s legendary GT40 Le Mans racer will pack 800bhp and be able to hit 60mph from rest in less than four seconds, according to its maker, EV conversion specialist Everrati.
The British firm says the car’s twin-motor set-up will pump out 800bhp and 590lb ft of torque, pushing the GT40 to a top speed of 125mph. It will draw power from a 60kWh battery and is unusually – for a creation of this kind – fitted with 700V charging hardware for rapid top-ups.
The original GT40, built in the 1960s, housed a 7.0-litre V8 engine that produced 478bhp and 475lb ft of torque, maxing out at 205mph.
Built with the sole purpose of winning the world’s fiercest endurance race, it was also ultra-lightweight. Everrari says its new EV version won’t bring a hefty weight penalty, despite the addition of chunky EV drivetrain hardware, and quotes a kerb weight of just over 1300kg. The firm says this is a lighter than a fully fuelled, race-spec V8 GT40.
Unlike the original, the EV remake will emit an artificial V8-style soundtrack and a gearshifter linked to the faked engine noise will allow the driver to select “virtual gears”. This can be activated in Race mode, the firm says.
This project is not a restomod, though. Instead, it gets a new shell and chassis, both built by US firm Superformance. The company produces all of its chassis under licence from the original trademark holder.
No overall price for the car has been quoted because costs vary according to each individual order. An original 1960s GT40 currently sells for between £1 million and £10 million.
Everrati founder and CEO Justin Lunny said: “The GT40 personifies Everrati’s philosophy. While many companies perform electric conversions of classic cars, our approach goes far beyond that.
“Deploying an OEM mindset and skillset, we redefine the vehicle as a new car with state-of-the-art design and engineering executed by a team with extensive experience at some of the world’s most celebrated car makers.
“The GT40 showcases how Everrati is taking the art of future-proofing automotive icons through electrification to the next level. And with a scalable production process in place and an ambitious strategy to collaborate with new manufacturing partners, we are poised to grow the company and engage with a new global customer base for the GT40 and our other models.”
Once built, the GT40 will join Everrati’s growing bespoke EV fleet, which includes the Porsche 911 964, Land Rover Defender, and Mercedes-Benz 280SL. Each model is fitted with a custom electric powertrain and receives a full, concours-standard restoration prior to delivery.
Source : Autocar
