Ahead of an official unveiling at the Geneva International Motor Show, Ginetta has revealed its new 200mph supercar. Taking the unique Ginetta character and bloodline that goes back to road cars such as the giant-killer G10 of the 1960sand infusing technology from Ginetta’s 2019 LMP1 car, the new supercar represents a truly individual supercar offering. “Racing at the highest level has taught us that to win you have to have your overall car concept and every detail exactly right, and we’ve brought that same philosophy to our first supercar,” explains Chairman Lawrence Tomlinson. “Starting with a blank sheet of paper allowed us to create a true mid-mid engine design with an all carbon monocoque, LMP-derived aerodynamics and an in-house designed powertrain resulting in a driver-orientated package for the road.“
This optimized design with mid-mid layout required a bespoke drivetrain which was developed entirely in-house specifically for the supercar. Given the low volume of production, Ginetta wasn’t compromised by having to utilize an existing chassis or drivetrain, allowing the engineers to optimize every aspect of the car. Key to the car’s performance was not just the engine position but the design of the unit itself.
The engine is an ultra-compact and lightweight unit mounted much further back than conventional supercars in a central mid-mid position. This layout allowed the engineers to achieve optimal aerodynamics, a weight distribution of 49% front and 51% rear, utilize a race-derived suspension set-up tweaked for excellent on-road feel and even create a large boot.
A dry-sumped 6-liter 90-degree V8, constructed from a single aluminum billet block with forged inners, the unit is manufactured in-house by Ginetta’s engineers and even features Ginetta’s own design of throttle bodies. Power is over 600bhp, with torque figures of 700Nm, resulting in a Power to Weight ratio of 545bhp per tonne. Being naturally aspirated engine response is immediate and balancing the car on the throttle requires no electronic aids.
The supercar utilizes a full carbon fiber monocoque chassis clothed in carbon fiber body panels. The design language echoes that of Ginetta LMP1 cars and this influence not only creates a distinctive aesthetic but truly exceptional aerodynamic performance above traditional supercars.
A rear wing with the same aerofoil shape as the latest Ginetta LMP1 racer, underbody diffuser, efficient body ducting and slash-cut side-exit exhausts work together to create incredibly smooth airflow, with downforce at 100mph totaling 376kg – just 5% less than Ginetta’s LMP3 car. As with all top-level race cars, this has all been achieved without the use of active aerodynamics.
An adjustable pushrod activated double wishbone suspension system, as used in Ginetta’sLMP1 car, is utilized all-around offering exceptional road feel. This driver connection is heightened through the hydraulic power assisted steering, with an LMP1-inspired carbon fiber steering wheel with billet aluminum shift paddles, and a fully adjustable floor-mounted pedal box.
Ginetta has partnered with another industry leading British manufacturer to create a bespoke gearbox for the new car – a six-speed sequential paddle-shift unit with carbon prop shaft. This unit not only delivers lightning fast changes but provides a soundtrack akin to the supercar’s racing siblings.
Wheels are Ginetta designed and manufactured units, 19 inches in the front and 20 inches in the rear. These are made specifically for the new supercar and use Ginetta’s own center locks as used on race tracks around the world. Behind these sit carbon ceramic breaks.
Driver and passenger sit in lightweight ergonomic seats moulded into the car’s carbon tub. Alcantara, carbon fiber and billet aluminum punctuate the interior, which is filled with practical technology to further bolster to the car’s usability. With ABS, traction control, reverse camera, automatic headlights, park sensors, air conditioning, heated screens front and rear, wireless phone charging and more, the new supercar offers real-world practicality with a no-compromise driving experience. What’s more, the cavernous boot has a best-in-class, 675 liter capacity ideal for grand touring.
Dry weight is just 1150 kilograms even with a roll-over structure designed to current FIA specifications forming a robust safety cell and giving the chassis an impressive torsional rigidity, resulting in superb on-road driving characteristics.
Each owner will be taken through a bespoke specification programme with myriad configuration options available. Ginetta will also take customers through a tailored seat fitting to ensure each car fits the driver perfectly, support the cars with an extensive factory warranty and offer an immersive ownership experience – further details of which will be announced at Geneva.