Everrati futureproofs iconic GT40

OXFORD-based electric car conversion specialists Everrati Automotive has revealed new technical details of its flagship supercar – an electric version of Ford’s legendary GT40.

Designed for road and track use, the Everatti GT40 EV – a high-performance and zero-emissions remake of one of the world’s most desirable cars – offers an unique-to-the-sector 700V architecture as well as a 60kWh lithium-ion battery pack, Everrati says.

The model is powered by twin integral powertrain motors that produce a system output of 597kW/800Nm and are said to propel the GT40 to from standstill 100km/h in “well under four seconds”.

Everatti partnered with Florida-based Superperformance to reengineer the classic Le Mans-winning supercar, with the American firm producing the body of the two-seat couple under licence. Together, the firms ensure not only top-notch quality, but also performance and driving characteristics that closely match those of the ‘60s original.

The Everatti GT40 EV is the only car of its kind to be listed in the official Shelby Registry.

“Futureproofing a car of the GT40’s legendary status is both a privilege and a challenging responsibility. Quality and authenticity are of paramount importance at every stage,” explained Everrati engineering director Mike Kerr.

“That’s why at Everrati, we insist on the complete design and development process being documented and controlled using OEM-derived practices. Utilising Everrati V-model product design and delivery methods, ensures quality is maintained at every stage of the development process, from concept through to post-production sign-off.

“Everrati delivers the best electric driver’s cars in the world and preserves the original characteristics of the past masters we work on… so that they can be enjoyed by aficionados in the coming age of zero-emission mobility.”

Mr Kerr said all the engineering and testing of the GT40 EV was carried out at the firm’s Upper Heyford R&D Centre, a former US airbase that recalls Carroll Shelby’s converted hangar at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). 

The vehicle’s liquid-cooled battery pack facilitates a driving range in excess of 125 miles (200km) and it can be charged from 20 to 80 per cent of its capacity via an 80kWh CCS fast charger in only 45 minutes, Everrati claims.

To ensure optimum weight distribution – and enhance the vehicle’s dynamics – Everrati says every element of the GT40 EV’s powertrain, including the battery and driveline, utilises existing chassis structural mounting points.

The battery packs are positioned within the sills and behind the driver and passenger, while their low positioning in the chassis also optimises rear visibility.

This approach means the GT40 EV offers better weight distribution than that of the ‘60s original (40:60 front-to-rear versus 38:62 in the 1966 GT40 MkII A). At 1320kg, it’s also lighter than a fully-fuelled V8 coupe by a full 47kg.

The 6.52:1 compound single-ratio reduction transmission system and race-derived limited-slip differential used in the GT40 EV are fully optimised for the high performance dual electric motor installation system, says Everatti.

The car even offers Race Mode with active sound generators to deliver an “augmented exhaust sound allied to synchronised driver-controlled (virtual) gearshifts”. The sound processor – which is paired with seat-mounted transducers – delivers up to 110db of “truly captivating” V8 sound (something we’d really like to experience for ourselves).

Everatti says the GT40 EV is also equipped with a sophisticated motorsport-derived user display interface providing the driver with extensive live data on the performance and condition of every element of the EV powertrain.

With the driver’s permission, an on-board 4G data logger delivers further reassurance by enabling remote access to Everrati engineers for diagnostic purposes.

“The GT40 EV personifies Everrati’s philosophy. While many companies perform electric conversions of classic cars, our approach goes far beyond that,” said Everrati founder and CEO Justin Lunny.

“Deploying an OEM mindset and skillset, we redefined the vehicle as a new car with state-of-the-art design and engineering. (The project was) executed by a team with extensive experience at some of the world’s most celebrated car makers.

“The GT40 EV 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 EV and our other models.”