BY PETER BARNWELL
Future-proofing classic cars through electrified clones is shaping as a growth industry driven by the immense popularity of classic cars alongside a similar growth trajectory for EVs.
It will no doubt lead to newly minted or rebirthed (continuation) electrified versions of cars like the Jaguar E-Type, early Porsche 911s, Mercedes-Benz 280SL Pagoda, early Land Rovers, Ferrari 250 GT and Lamborghini P400 Miura among countless others.
In the meantime, UK-based electric car conversion specialists Everrati Automotive has released technical details of its flagship supercar – an electric version of Ford’s legendary GT40.
Handily located in the midst of the UK’s Motorsport Valley near Oxford, Everrati has designed its GT40 EV for road and track use.
It is a high-performance and zero-emissions remake of one of the world’s most desirable cars offering a 700V architecture as well as a 60kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
The Everrati GT40 runs twin integral electric traction motors that produce a system output of 597kW/800Nm that is claimed to propel the GT40 to from 0- 100km/h in “well under four seconds”. We suspect less than that given its dry weight of under 1300kg.
Everrati linked with Florida-based Superformance to re-engineer the classic Le Mans-winning supercar with the Americans producing the body of the two-seat couple under licence.
Together, the two companies ensure top-notch quality together with performance and driving characteristics that closely match those of the 1960s original.
The Everrati GT40 EV is the only car of its kind to be listed in the official Shelby Registry.
“Future-proofing 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,” said 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.”
Engineering and testing of the GT40 EV was carried out at the company’s Upper Heyford R&D Centre, a former US airbase ironically similar to Carroll Shelby’s converted hangar set-up at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
The GT40’s liquid-cooled battery pack has a claimed driving range in excess of 200km and it can be charged from 20 to 80 per cent of its capacity via an 80kWh CCS fast charger in 45 minutes.
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 means the GT40 EV offers better weight distribution than that of the 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 Everrati.
The car 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. It’s an enticing prospect.
Everrati says the GT40 EV is 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.
At driver discretion, 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.”
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