Category: News & Stories

The British company Ginetta has confirmed that an all-new supercar is on the way. Full details will be announced soon, with highlights including a carbon-fiber tub chassis, full carbon fiber body, race-derived 600+ hp naturally aspirated V8 alloy engine designed and manufactured in-house, a sequential gearbox and a race-derived aerodynamic package. Ginetta has a long history of manufacturing lightweight, high-power road cars to production-based race cars such as the G55 GT4 (producing almost 400 to date, more than any other global manufacturer) and competition cars for the highest level of prototype racing.

The new supercar utilizes this leading race technology and precision engineering to create a true driver’s car. This is not another supercar from a car company: this is a supercar from a top-tier motorsport manufacturer. Chairman Lawrence Tomlinson commented: “We’ve come a long way in 60 years but we still believe Ginetta has great untapped potential. In the 1960s our G10 was a giant killer on and off the track, regularly beating Jaguar E-Types. Sixty years on, we’re again applying knowledge and technology from our racing programs to build an uncompromised yet utterly capable road-going supercar.”

Founded in 1958 by the four Walklett brothers, Ginetta has a long and successful history of producing hand built road and race cars. Beginning with the G2, enthusiast favorites such as the G4, G10, G12, G40, and G55 followed in a varied lineup. Acquired by Le Mans winner and entrepreneur Lawrence Tomlinson in 2005, the company is now known globally for its motorsport activities. Ginetta operates a network of racing series, from nurturing young talent through the Ginetta Junior program (one graduate of which is McLaren F1™ driver Lando Norris) through to prototype racing such as LMP1.

Every car is hand-built in a state-of-the-art factory just outside Leeds in West Yorkshire. The company has continuously developed its technology and manufacturing capabilities, with the factory equipped with autoclaves, CNC machining capability, and extensive design facilities. As a result, Ginetta now carries out more original engineering than any other UK car company of its size and has produced more GT4 cars than any other global manufacturer (over 400 to date). Translating this expertise and manufacturing capability into an all-new supercar, 2019 will see Ginetta return to the company’s roots in ultra-lightweight, high-power road cars.

Goodwood has announced that the theme for the 2019 Festival of Speed presented by MasterCard, which takes place from 4-7 July, will be “Speed Kings – Motorsport’s Record Breakers”.

Motorsport has always been about pushing man and machine to the very limit, and this year, Goodwood will celebrate the people and machinery that set the benchmark or raise the bar. The focus will not just be on the Land Speed Record, but on every area of record breaking in motorsport, from the most consecutive wins, to most championships, fastest laps, most poles set by a manufacturer and many more. This year marks 20 years since Nick Heidfeld took the outright record up the Goodwood Hill, covering the 1.16-mile course in 41.6 seconds at the wheel of a McLaren MP4/13. In 2018, the electric Volkswagen I.D. R Pikes Peak car came close to taking the crown; 2019 could be the year we celebrate a new record holder.

Staged every summer since 1993, the Goodwood Festival of Speed presented by MasterCard is the world’s largest automotive garden party; set against the spectacular backdrop of Goodwood House in West Sussex, UK. Over 600 cars and motorcycles spanning the phenomenal history of motoring and motor sport take part with some of the most legendary figures from the sport as well as international celebrities regularly attending. Highlights include FoS Future Lab, Forest Rally Stage, Michelin Supercar Paddock, Michelin Supercar Run, F1 paddock, Drivers’ Club, GAS Arena, Cartier Style et Luxe Concours d’Elegance, Aviation Exhibition and Bonhams Auction.

Head of Motorsport Content, Will Kinsman said “We are delighted with this year’s theme, as it offers an opportunity to celebrate the ultimate heroes of motorsport past, present and future. The team are working hard to ensure the paddocks are bursting with the most talented drivers and riders alongside the most iconic road and race machines in the world. They are also delving into the more obscure corners of the motorsport world to ensure the Festival of Speed maintains and enhances its reputation as the greatest motorsport show on earth.”

Away from the Hill, there will be several changes made to the event this year, with the relocation of some attractions, and the introduction of new ones. These changes, and the Central Feature, will be announced over the coming weeks and months.

Tickets for the Festival of Speed are available from www.goodwood.com

Aston Martin is set to launch a brand new program in 2019, where customers can enjoy exhilarating race track experiences at iconic circuits, with expert guidance available through the AMR Drivers’ Club. This customer-focused driving academy will offer various levels of tuition to suit each driver, from exploring the capabilities of their own Aston Martin to finding the limit in some of the marque’s most extreme track cars, for those with aspirations to race. The Aston Martin track programme will initially offer three key pillars of experiences, each containing various levels as outlined below.

AMR Experience
The entry level of AMR Experience is called Discovery and it provides an introduction to the brand and products, with 1-to-1 tuition from a dedicated Aston Martin instructor. The next level is known as Performance, an opportunity for owners to fully explore the capabilities of their own Aston Martin with the additional option of a dedicated instructor to provide appropriate guidance.

AMR Academy
Drivers will train with professional Aston Martin instructors and experience the latest Aston Martin models, working from Level 1 to Level 3 for one and a half days per level. As they develop their track capabilities, the customer will then progress to the next level, until they are ready for the AMR GT Academy.

AMR GT Academy
One and a half days of 1-to-1 tuition in a race-prepared GT4 Aston Martin awaits customers with the desire to push their driving skills on to new levels. For those with ambitions to compete, our AMR GT Academy provides the perfect platform to support you in working towards your racing licence.

The track experiences in 2019 will take place at nine significant race circuits, many of which have hosted famous F1 races and each with their own unique layout. The programme will commence with Algarve International Circuit on 19/20 March. Customers can also enjoy visits to the challenging Spa-Francorchamps, the home of British motorsport at Silverstone on 4/5 September and the distinctive Barcelona Circuit on 16/17 September. The packages will range from £750 to £7,600, which can include car, hospitality and accommodation depending on the course selected.

To learn more about the AMR Driver’s Club or to book experiences visit www.astonmartintrackdays.com or contact [email protected]. For additional information about Art of Living by Aston Martin packages visit www.astonmartinartofliving.com.

The refreshed AMG GT which has just been announced, features new exhaust tailpipes, exterior styling enhancements, new LED High Performance headlights; and front and rear view camera, with parking sensors and parking assistant.

The AMG GT Coupé and Roadster feature a hand-built V8 4.0-liter gasoline engine and an AMG Speedshift DCT 7-speed sports transmission. The GT Coupé and Roadster produce 476 hp and 630 Nm of torque. The GT can travel from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds and has a top speed of 304 km/h (303 km/h for the GT Roadster). The GT S Coupé and Roadster have an output of 522 hp and 670 Nm of torque. They can reach 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and while the Roadster has a top speed of 307 km/h, the Coupé can reach 311 km/h. The GT C Coupé and Roadster produce 557 hp and 680 Nm of torque, and can travel from 0 to 62 mph in 3.7 seconds. The Coupé has a top speed of 317 mph, while the Roadster can reach 315 km/h.

The GT Coupé and Roadster comes as standard with LED High Performance headlamps with Adaptive Highbeam Assist, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, electrically extending rear aerofoil, AMG performance steering wheel in nappa leather with touch control buttons, AMG Track Pace, AMG drive unit with center console in V8 design, 19-inch AMG five-twin-spoke alloy wheels, heated seats, AMG performance exhaust system, Keyless-Go starting function; automatic climate control, silver chrome trim package trim with black nappa leather upholstery and parking assist. The GT S adds electronically controlled AMG rear axle limited-slip differential lock; 19-inch/20-inch ten-spoke AMG alloy wheels; and AMG Ride Control sports suspension with adjustable damper system. The GT C adds AMG rear axle steering; Keyless-Go package; Mirror package including electrically-folding mirrors and automatically dimming exterior driver’s mirror and rear-view mirror; and a Burmester surround sound system.

The new models can be ordered now, with deliveries as of May 2019.

Very close to the historic town of Hastings, where the Normans under William, later called the Conqueror, defeated the English army led by the unfortunate King Harold in 1066, lies the village of Battle. Next to that village is a relatively small industrial estate where immaculate white trucks with the “CKL” abbreviation on them are often seen. This is the site of CKL Developments, one of the world’s foremost specialist in the art of preparing classic Jaguars for serious racing.

The company is run by Rupert Manwaring, who has gathered a wealth of experience at Lola Cars and Lotus Motorsport, and Chris Keith-Lucas, who has raced Jaguar XKs for 46 years and is also renowned for his role at Lynx. The philosophy here seems very simple: integrity brings repeat customers. They abide by that rule, because it works: CKL customers shape the way the company operates. People who have had their road cars restored are drawn into historic racing, and they rely on the East Sussex company to prepare and run their cars.

Race preparation and support are, historically, the two main tenets of CKL operations. Complete race support packages are offered, from the initial workshop preparation of one’s car to full race support, including expert driver tuition and coaching. The value of such work cannot be overrated, as the performance of a historic race car can only be as good as the skill and mental qualities of its driver or drivers. The company also provides complete arrive-and-drive packages; they can store cars, service them, transport them to and from events, and also take care of the formalities connected with race entries.

In order to hone the performance of the owner-driver client, CKL organizes exclusive track days and test days at the famous Goodwood Motor Circuit. The numbers of vehicles participating are kept small in order to maximize track time. Technicians are available to solve problems which the customer cars may encounter, and on-track tuition is available. The objective of such events is to give more experienced clients a chance to improve their technique, and to give the less experienced ones more confidence.

The workshop facility makes a big impression: equipped with eight vehicle lifts, it is normally a hive of activity. Specialist tooling and highly experienced technicians ensure that the highest possible level of quality is achieved, and the safety of clients driving their own cars is paramount. Right next door there is a metalworking workshop, where exceptionally skilled panel beaters not only can modify a racing classic or perform crash repairs to an aluminum body, but they can also fabricate required parts from a flat sheet of metal!

Restorations are a tricky area: most people tend to overdo them, and turn historically important cars into parodies. This company works with its clients to choose the type of rebuild or restoration which is needed. Delicate work which preserves most of the original patina is preferred, because it helps maintain or raise the value of the car in question. Minor mechanical rebuilds are, of course, also possible as well as concours-level restorations. Most often these are performed upon 1940’s-1960’s Jaguars and other post-war British cars. Earlier, the East Sussex company used to take care solely of Jaguar XK and E-type vehicles, but has now expanded to cover not only British post-war sports cars (including a recent restoration of a significant Austin-Healey), but also American models and other classics whose value and conditions warrants the involvement of a highly professional restoration company. Whatever a customer’s needs, the specialists at CKL will make sure that he returns, satisfied, again and again.

For most people the Ferrari F40 is the red Italian supercar hero of the 1980’s: fast, crazy, exaggerated, but for me the top of the podium in that category goes to the much less known 288 GTO. The F40 is built like a race car, people expecting creature comforts walk away disappointed. Underneath the carbon fiber skin covered in slightly rippled Rosso Corsa paint there is tha uncouth, primitive nature of a competition car, a purpose thinly coated with a veneer of sophistication. It is almost as if the F40 says: I am indeed ugly underneath, and who cares?

The 288 GTO was born out of a desire to build a car which could be competitive in the newly formed Group B. And group B was where everyone wanted to be: Audi, Peugeot, Lancia, Ford, Opel, Porsche… The new regulations made it simpler for manufacturers to create shorter production runs (200 units) of the base vehicles, leaving more money for seriously crazy racing development. Ferrari knew it could beat most of the other car makers involved in group B racing, and it began to work on a car which would help them do just that. It also decided to call the car GTO, for the first time sicne the iconic 250 GTO.

Built on a tough tubular steel chassis, it boasted a wheelbase longer than the production 308 GTB, and it had four-wheel independent suspension. The new Tipo F114B mid-mounted V-8 engine was installed longitudinally rather than transversely, and it produced 400 hp thanks to four valves per cylinder, Weber-Marelli electronic fuel injection, twin IHI turbochargers, and dual Behr intercoolers. The doors, trunk, and engine cover were all covered in lightweight aluminum, while GRP and a carbon compound formed the rest of the bodywork – a taste of the carbon fiber to come.

The car looked a bit like the 308 GTB, but it was much more aggressive, with large flared wheel arches needed on account of the bigger wheels, 8-in. wide at the front and 10-in. wide at the rear. Larger spoilers were also fitted front and rear, the result of extensive wind-tunnel testing. The rear fenders had three vertical cooling slots behind the wheel, an obvious tribute to the great 250 GTO.

Due to a multitude of reasons, and not just several fatal crashes, group B was canceled in 1987 and almost all manufacturers were left with rally and racing cars they did not need. Ferrari had already made a decision, in 1984, that entering group B racing would ultimately be futile, and, when left with a completely developed car, to produce it in a short series for faithful customers, but as a road-legal vehicle. To that end the 288 GTO received leather seats, electric window lifters (s an option) and an air conditioning unit. 272 cars were built and, later, six Evoluzione examples. Among famous owners was one Niki Lauda. In the early 19990’s, when I asked Jeremy Clarkson which car was the greatest car of all time in his opinion, he immediately answered: “the Ferrari 288 GTO”. And why? “Because it is.”

The turbocharged Ferrari, which now fetches prices of between $3,200,000 and $3,600,000, could reach 100 km/h from a standstill in around 5 seconds, did the 0-200 km/h sprint in 15 seconds, and had a top speed of 304 km/h. Today the figures do not seem like much, but back in the day they were mind-blowing. It was simply one of the fastest street-legal cars on Earth.

Gymkhana TEN star Ken Block’s love affair with Ford pick-ups runs deep. He learned to drive in one, did his first burn-out in one and made a 1977 Ford F-150 the star of his latest video. The “Hoonitruck” has the same twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost engine as the Ford GT, tuned to deliver more than 900 horsepower, and the largest 3D metal-printed part for a working vehicle in automotive history.

The project was a global effort. Ford Performance engineers in the U.S. ran engine performance simulations and collaborated with a team of Ford research engineers based in Europe to design the part and conduct structural analysis. Working together with RWTH Aachen’s Digital Additive Production Institute, in Germany, the team built an intricate aluminium intake manifold that supplies air from the turbochargers to the engine’s cylinders.

Watch the video here https://youtu.be/6GsuRCGEZno

“We are fortunate to have access to incredible technology, but this was one project that pushed us – and our computing power – to the absolute limit. The manifold has a complex web‑like structure that couldn’t be made using traditional manufacturing methods. We ended up dissolving the support systems in acid,” said Raphael Koch, engineer, Advanced Materials and Processes, Ford of Europe.

3D printing, or additive manufacturing, is a tool-less production method that offers design flexibility to help reduce weight and improve performance. The technology is usually used in the development of Ford vehicles to help test and refine different design approaches and to create tools more quickly and cost-effectively. For the manifold for the “Hoonitruck” – that weighs almost 6 kilos – the whole build process took five days.

“I think Ford did an exceptional job. This is my favourite part of the ‘Hoonitruck’. You could not have made it any other way,” said Block. Ford recently received awards from the Automotive Division of the Society of Plastics Engineers for 3D-printed parts that went into Ford Ranger and Mustang vehicles.

Gymkhana TEN is available here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_KBvP0_8Tc

Installing an electric powertrain in a classic vehicle is nothing really new, as people have been doing it for years. Ruf in Germany has offered electric Porsche 911s for a while with some free energy courtesy of a hydroelectric power plant owned by the family, others have modified traditional VW Beetles, and still others have worked on the original Mini and similar cars. Still, an officially-sanctioned factory conversion of a valuable classic vehicle to electric power is something very significant.

In 2017 Jaguar presented its E-type Zero concept, and in 2018 jaguar Classic announced it would offer fully electric “Zero” E-type Jaguars to customers. It will restore selected cars and install the electric powertrain in them, and will also offer an identical conversion to customers who already own such cars. In order to preserve the value of the base vehicle, the Zero conversion is engineered to be completely reversible.

The first cars will be delivered in the summer of the year 2020, and now Jaguar Classic is collecting “expressions of interest” from potential clients (if you are interested, please contact the company at: [email protected] or [email protected] / +44 (0) 203 601 1255 / www.jaguar.com/classic ). The price of the conversion of an existing vehicle, as well as the price of a complete Jaguar E-type Zero, will be revealed in due course.

The Zero car was from the outset engineered to look like an original E-type and to drive like one, however with markedly better acceleration. Jaguar Classic are confident that a range of 170 miles (275 km) can be offered. The car uses a battery with a capacity of at least 40 kWh, which can be recharged in 6 to 7 hours, depending on the power source. Because the powertrain module, containing the battery and the electric motor, replaces the gasoline engine, placing a similar weight in the same location (electric motor is placed behind the battery pack), the balance of the car and its handling remain unchanged. A refurbished standard differential is retained, but the propshaft is new. Other alterations include an available modified dashboard with touchscreen controls and a modern infotainment system. Some instruments in the cockpit are modified, and the car receives very efficient LED headlamps.

Tim Hannig, Jaguar Land Rover Classic Director, said: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the positive reaction to the Jaguar E-type Zero concept. Future-proofing the enjoyment of classic car ownership is a major stepping stone for Jaguar Classic. E-type Zero showcases the incredible heritage of the E-type, and the expertise and craftsmanship at Classic Works, while demonstrating Jaguar Land Rover’s dedication to creating zero emission vehicles across every part of the business, including Jaguar Classic.”

Time will show how popular such conversions will turn out to be in the long run, and whether they are just a passing fad. At the moment, however, Jaguar Classic has responded swiftly to changes in public sentiment, and will soon deliver environmentally-friendly cars of a new type. It has to be noted, however, that any classic car which is still running, is in fact extremely good for the environment as it has not been replaced several times over its lifetime with new vehicles whose production also produces greenhouse gases and consumes a lot of energy.

VUHL, the road-legal lightweight supercar manufacturer, has unveiled its new car – the 05RR – to an exclusive audience in Mexico City recently. Almost every element has been enhanced from the brand’s first iteration, the 05; offering the ultimate driving experience on the racetrack and the road. Weight has been reduced by 65 kg to a maximum dry weight of 660 kg and its distribution has significantly improved. Power and torque output has increased by 115 hp and 100 Nm respectively, while the power-to-weight ratio is upped by 200 hp/ton to a total of 600 hp/ton. A lightweight flywheel, lighter race clutch and full carbon wheels have significantly reduced rotational inertia and boosted engine performance in the 05RR, allowing it to reach 96 km/h in just 2.7 seconds from standstill.

Mechanically, a lower powertrain position has lowered the 05RR’s centre of gravity by 50 mm which, combined with a sequential paddle shift gearbox, limited slip differential and a track-focused suspension and steering system, offers grip in excess. Customers will also have the option to receive bespoke track-specific suspension setup and slick tyres. Interior improvements have been made to the dashboard and the air intake to offer those in the cockpit the most engaging driving experience. The exterior aesthetics have added to the chassis’ overall performance a large single-plane rear wing and carbon wheels playing a role in the car’s resounding and aggressive enhancements. An all-new high downforce setup on the 05RR affords the driver confidence on the throttle when cornering. The aerodynamic balance, combined with the shift in weight distribution of 4% harnesses an total 1.8G of lateral acceleration.

Several years of intense development from VUHL’s team of international engineers have created a supercar that is not just beautiful to look at and efficient aerodynamically, but one that boasts the highest power-to-weight ratio within its market. The launch begins a busy week and year for the brand as its dedicated 05 ROC Edition cars take to the super stages of the Race of Champions event at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in its hometown of Mexico City. The 05RR is now on sale worldwide with dealers in Europe, the US and Mexico.

Some of our readers may not remember that VŪHL (the name is pronounced ‘vool’ and stands for Vehicles of Ultra High-performance and Lightweight) is the brainchild of brothers Iker and Guillermo Echeverria, whose Mexican/American design company created 05 and the 05RR trackday supercars. Their profound passion for all things automotive comes from a hands-on role in the GT and formula racing cars successfully built and campaigned over a 30-year period by their father, Guillermo Echeverria senior. The VUHL 05 is a road-legal lightweight supercar. The 05’s handling has been fine-tuned in the UK, while further testing and development took place with assistance from Michelin, both in the U.S. and Europe. Production started mid 2014, with first deliveries done in 2015. 40% of the 05 sourced from UK, carbon bodies and chassis production done in-house and final assembly conducted by the advanced manufacturing concern, Adman Leku in Mexico City. The 05 ROC Edition has been selected to race at the world famous ‘Race Of Champions’ for a 5-year period from 2017-2021. The event in 2019 takes place in VUHL’s home territory of Mexico.

More information: https://vuhl05.com

Arriving this fall, all-new 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 is the most powerful street-legal Ford ever with a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine, producing more than 700 horsepower. Capable of mid-three-second 0-60 mph and sub-11-second quarter-mile scores, Shelby GT500 features the best Mustang track times, the best cornering and the largest brakes of any American sports coupe thanks to tech transfer from Ford GT and Mustang GT4 racing programs; this includes a segment-first dual-clutch transmission.

Shelby GT500 starts with a supercharged 5.2-liter aluminum alloy engine built by hand. To keep the intake air cooler and deliver a lower center of gravity, the engineering team inverted a 2.65-liter roots-type supercharger with air-to-liquid intercooler tucked neatly in the V8 engine valley. Like in the already available Ford Shelby GT350, the aluminum alloy block features weight-saving wire-arc cylinder liners and high-flow aluminum cylinder heads, plus larger forged connecting rods, improved lubrication and cooling passages. Beneath that, a structural oil pan adds strength, reduces vibration, and features a patented active baffle system to keep oil where it’s needed.

To channel power and torque to the unique carbon fiber driveshaft, Ford Performance utilized the experience from the tuning of its Ford GT supercar’s dual-clutch transmission. The engineers selected a Tremec 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, which is capable of shifts in under 100 milliseconds, markedly faster than any manual gearbox. This dual-clutch transmission is designed for a number of drive modes, including normal, weather, sport, drag and track, and activates features like line-lock (for burnouts prior to quarter-mile launches) and launch control through selectable Track Apps.

Shelby GT500 takes advantage of revised suspension geometry, a new electronic power steering unit and lighter-weight coil springs front and rear. Next-generation active MagneRide suspension is installed, along with the latest in advanced drive mode technologies from Ford Performance. The result is the highest-ever lateral acceleration from a Mustang for greater track performance and driver control.

Putting all this chassis hardware to the pavement, custom Ford Performance-spec Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires and more aggressive Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires feature unique compounds and tread. To provide track-ready stopping power, massive 420-millimeter two-piece rotors are added – the largest of any domestic sports coupe – plus larger, stiffer Brembo six-piston calipers. With 20 percent more swept area than the Shelby GT350’s, these brakes have more than 30 percent additional thermal mass in the front corners, and it should show on track.

Two handling packages with increasing levels of capability are offered for the all-new Shelby GT500. An available Handling Package includes adjustable strut top mounts and spoiler with a Gurney flap. For the truly hardcore enthusiasts, an available Carbon Fiber Track Package features exposed 20-inch carbon fiber wheels with 0.5-inch-wider rear wheels (11.5-inch), custom Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, adjustable exposed carbon fiber GT4 track wing and splitter wickers with integrated dive plane. The rear seat is deleted to reduce weight.

The car’s aerodynamics were honed in the Ford Performace special wind tunnel, normally used by racing teams. Large, angular opening which deliver the very much needed cooling and intake air were patterned on air intakes of modern jet aircraft. The large louvered hood vent is equipped with a removable rain tray which, once removed, paves the way for improved downforce and even better cooling.

Shelby GT500’s purpose-built cockpit boasts race-inspired premium materials and unique finishes worthy of its world-class power. Premium touchpoints include an available exposed carbon fiber instrument panel appliqué and new door panel inserts in Dark Slate Miko® suede with accent stitching. Available Recaro racing seats with firm side bolstering and pass-throughs for safety harnesses offer the highest level of performance. For those looking for even greater comfort, power-adjustable seating with Miko suede inserts is offered.

More information: www.ford.com