Everrati Automotive Limited, the Oxford, UK-based company specializing in the electrifying of automotive icons, has revealed technical details on its new high-performance zero-emissions version of its GT40. It says its flagship sets new standards for electrified classics. Futurride covered the car previously here.
Furthering the legacy of one of the world’s most iconic classic sports cars according to the company is down to its meticulous attention to detail including the creation of its own EV propulsion platform, which enables its application to most classic vehicles no matter the drivetrain configuration. It is said to use automotive OEM-level development processes and technology allied to the latest state-of-the-art electric motors and batteries.
“The GT40 personifies Everrati’s philosophy,” said Justin Lunny, Everrati’s Founder and CEO. “While many companies perform electric conversions of classic cars, our approach goes far beyond that. Deploying an OEM mindset and skillset, we redefine the vehicle as a new car with state-of-the-art design and engineering executed by a team with extensive experience at some of the world’s most celebrated car makers.”
The development of the GT40 is evidence of what Everrati says is its growing ability to meet surging demand for its electric classics thanks to the successful application of its repeatable and scalable production process.
“The GT40 showcases how Everrati is taking the art of future-proofing automotive icons through electrification to the next level,” added Lunny. “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 and our other models.”
The business model will allow the company to rapidly set up manufacturing partnerships in new markets around the globe as interest in Everrati vehicles grows. The company has already agreed to a strategic partnership with Aria Group in Irvine, CA, to begin the build of electric versions of the Porsche 964-version 911s for the U.S. market.
“Future-proofing a car of the GT40’s legendary status is both a privilege and a challenging responsibility,” said Mike Kerr, Everrati Engineering Director. “Quality and authenticity are of paramount importance at every stage. That’s why at Everrati, we insist on the complete design and development process being documented and controlled using OEM-derived practices.”
All GT40 engineering development was carried out at Everrati’s UK headquarters in Upper Heyford at a former U.S. airbase in the English Cotswolds. It was focused on delivering the levels of performance and driving engagement enthusiasts would expect of a redefined version of a legendary car while maintaining the soul and integrity of the original. To do this, the Everrati engineering team called upon its 50-plus years of working with automotive OEMs and strategic partnerships developed with leading suppliers.
Everrati joined with Superformance last year to precision re-engineer the GT40 with a custom-designed electric drivetrain. Based in Jupiter, FL, Superformance is a leader in the manufacture of 1960s-era continuation sports cars, and it produces a rolling chassis for the GT40 built under license. As a result, the Everrati is the world’s only GT40 EV listed in the official Shelby Registry.
The proprietary EV powertrain generates up to 800 bhp (597 kW) and 800 N·m (590 lb·ft). Integral Powertrain provides the twin high-performance OEM-validated radial-flux permanent-magnet electric motors that supply drive to the car’s rear axle.
The “power-dense” 60-kW·h lithium-ion battery is integrated with an unusual 700-V electrical system that benefits from advanced liquid cooling and thermal/safety management systems to support high-performance use on road and track.
Battery packs are positioned within the sills and behind the driver and passenger. They can be charged from 20% to 80% via an 80-kW CCS fast charger in as little as 45 min and provide a range in excess of 125 mi (200 km). The low positioning of the battery modules in the chassis also optimizes rear visibility.
“Our OEM-derived process approach has delivered a car of exceptional performance,” said Kerr. “At the same time, our advanced driver-focused visceral engagement technology will enable drivers to access a fully immersive aural experience and reignite the romance of the era in which the GT40 dominated the Le Mans 24 Hours in the 1960s, in a new era of zero-emission electric mobility.”
The powertrain elements, including the battery and driveline, use existing chassis structural mounting points and are placed to ensure optimum weight distribution and enhance vehicle dynamics. The targeted approach means that the GT40 offers a weight distribution of 40%/60% front/rear, better than the original 1966 GT40 MKII A that raced at Le Mans, which came in at 38%/62%. The electrified car’s curb weight of 1320 kg (2910 lb) makes it 47 kg (104 lb) lighter than a fully fuelled classic vehicle.
The 6.52:1 compound single-ratio reduction transmission and race-derived limited-slip differential are engineered for efficient power delivery. The Everrati GT40 delivers acceleration from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) in well under 4 s and a top speed of more than 125 mph (200 km/h).
Beyond the focus on performance, making the car as characterful, engaging, and fun to drive as possible was a critical focus. Using technology developed for high-end racing simulators and other premium EV sports cars, Everrati gives the driver the option of more engagement in Race Mode as in the original GT40. Selecting this mode gives the driver and passenger up to 110 dB of simulated V8 exhaust sound via twin active sound generators. Seat-mounted transducers further immerse the driver in the aural experience.
The gear shifter—which is normally used to select drive, reverse, or neutral—can also enable the driver to select virtual gears. Each shift is synchronized to the sound generators and torque delivery gives a momentary “pause” in acceleration to invoke the experience of driving a car with a conventional transmission.
The car’s motorsport-derived user display/interface provides the driver with extensive live data on the performance and condition of the EV powertrain. With the driver’s permission, an on-board 4G data logger enables remote access to Everrati engineers for diagnostic purposes.