The premise is a simple one – to take ‘continuation’ GT40s (that is to say as close to 60s factory spec as it’s possible to get) and replace the big block V8 with an electric powertrain. Whist this is sacrilege to some, it has the benefit of offering most of the aspects of the GT40 that made it so compelling, but with modern, reliable, clean power.
What’s more, buyers will get the only electric GT40 listed on the Shelby Registry – effectively meaning it gets the seal of approval from the company that built the original Ferrari-slaying Ford of the 1960s.
We knew roughly what power the Everrati GT40 would be packing last year, but now the company has settled on the final powertrain and battery system that will store the energy to power it.
Everrati hasn’t just bought in inexpensive components and made them fit into the GT40. Instead, it has undertaken all engineering development in house to ensure the integrity of the car remains intact. The twin permanent magnet motors have been built by Milton Keynes-based Integral Powertrain and together, generate up to 800bhp and 590lb-ft of torque.
To put that in context, it’s around 300bhp more than the 7.0-litre V8 versions of the GT40 that competed at Le Mans in the 1960s. They allow the Everrati version to hit 60mph in “under four seconds” and continue onto a top speed of around 125mph – limited by the single speed transmission which puts power down via a limited slip differential.
Electric power is stored in a 60kWh lithium-ion battery running the electronics at 700 volts. It is mounted via separate packs within the sills as well as behind the driver and passenger. This keeps the weight low and removes the need to change the body or chassis in any way to accommodate cells. In fact, all powertrain elements have been designed to utilise existing mounting points within the Superformance GT40 shell.
Overall weight is lower than a fully fuelled original GT40 at just 1320kg, whilst a 40/60 F/R weight distribution is also more balanced than the original cars achieved. Charging is undertaken at up to 80kW via CCS, meaning a 10 to 80 per cent charge takes as little as 45 minutes.
If the lack of a bellowing V8 soundtrack is too much for some owners, they can invoke the original car via a specially created soundtrack which pumps synthesised engine noise into the cabin at up to 110db. The gear shifter, which usually selects go, stop or backwards, also has a mode whereby it can be used to select ‘virtual gears’. Under acceleration, this feature creates a momentary pause, like a traditional transmission would.
Practical? Absolutely not. But we can see why it might be fun.
Everrati is already taking commissions for the Superformance GT40 with price on application.
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