GT40 Body Modernisation and Market Trends

[Mudgey]

Hi guys, not yet another 'lets modernise the gt40' thread! well yea it is! But this one is asking for your help and input! I also would like to have a go at portraying my own up to date gt40, problem is i'm not as good with pen and paper as i am with various 3D CAD packages, i unfortunately do not have access to accurate measuring equipment to have a go at constructing a 3D drawing of the existing bodywork to start with. I was wondering if any1 out there has a 3d drawing in any format that i may obtain. I know this is asking alot but perhaps i can offer some information in exchange or perhaps use of my CAD skills (i have built a few gt40's in the past).
Even if its not to every1's taste, it might inspire a manufacturer to build something with similar features!

What does every1 reckon the future holds for a modernised version of the gt40, remember there are less and less people around who grew up with GT40 posters on the wall, there is a new younger breed of buyer with completely different criteria aswel as new safety standards and emission regulations are always getting tighter.

What are current market trends?
Would it be possible for some manufacturers on here to tell us roughly how many kits they are selling, full builds, partial builds, basic kits, engine options etc for say today and 5 and 10 years ago? It would be nice to know where the market has gone and potentially is going!

Cheers!

[Bill D]

Modernized versions of the GT40 already exits. Cars such as the Facory Five GTM, the Ultima GT and the RCR Superlite are examples. People either want a GT40 or a modern supercar.

[Mudgey]

Hi bill, those cars you have mentioned weren't based on the GT40! they have just as much in common with a GT40 as a potatoe.
There are a host of subcatogories to look into once you have decided you want a GT40, there are many body variations, engine, gearbox options etc.
i'm not saying i want to redesign a gt40 from ground up, i want to look at subtle changes to the vehicles design to bring it up to date and improve aerodynamics with 21st century know-how.

[Ron Earp]

Does the Ford GT come to mind????

[Doc Watson]

Aluminium monocoque maybe??? other than that I wouldnt want to change anything.

Andy

[Fran Hall RCR]

Ha Ha.....

[JimmyMac]

Doh !!!
Where is Simon Cowell when you need him these days ?

[Pete.]

Originally Posted by Doc Watson

Aluminium monocoque maybe??? other than that I wouldnt want to change anything.

Andy

Love it..

[Mudgey]

Hey guys, can we stick to the topic here!

Alu monocoque? I said improvements......

By your comment its obvious you do not want to spoil the look of the vehicle which is fair enough its beautiful already, but there are a few people out there who would prefer a 'hottened' up GT40 replica. I was wondering if any1 has done any market research to see roughly how many people are out there willing to buy into this new variation of GT40.

Has any1 out there got a 3D drawing of the GT40 body in any form of 3D format?

[brianstewart]

I seem to recall a post from some time back that had pictures of a fairly radical GT40 (from Germany I think) with wings and so forth. Reaction was mixed. If I get time later I may do a search for it unless anyone can recall it off the top of their heads....

[Doc Watson]

In terms of performance improvements an aluminium mono would reduce weight, Eric Broadley has said that he wanted the mono to be built using aluminium but ford USA wanted a steel tub. Reducing weight is the same as increasing horsepower so its an improvement... as long as strength is not compromised.

The bottom of the chassis could be improved for better air flow and I'm sure the suspension could be improved with modern design and materials. Bodys have been made from carbon to save more weight although the original racers had carbon strands to stiffen the bodywork back in the day.

Engines can provide as many horses as your wallet will allow, aluminium blocks and EFI with modern heads can dump scary amounts of power and torque to the floor, add turbo and you are in the big league, twin turbo V8's have seen 1000HP+ and thats enough power....

To be a 'modern gt40' it would have to retain the essential shape of the original car and this would be difficult when looking for gains in aerodynamic performance, splitter plates and minor modifications again will increase performance.

As for the 3D body there was a thread a while back with some very good 'new' styling sketches. There are a few 3D models of GT40's out there on the web and this would probably be the best place to start. Usual format is 3D studio.

I guess it boils down to how you want to improve it.

here is the link to the german chebby....

GT40 evolution in carbon fibre - UPDATE

Andy

[Ian K]

The Quaife R4GTS is not too much of a stretch from the GT40 - all wheel
drive to boot:

Autotech-The QUAIFE R4GTS-GT1 racecar

But that was almost 10 years ago.

Ian

[Chris Melia]

Hi Guys
do you think their is an augment to bring the Quaife GT out of retirement but on an RCR alloy mono, with say an LS7 and ZFQ trans?

I broached the subject a few months ago with the people concerned and no one said no and all agreed that it was viable option as all the components exist.

Regards

Chris.

[TimB]

Chris,

I would think an argument could be made....I would bet the demographic would be the same as those that buy the Factory Five GTM

[FRPGUY]

Good idea Chris, but how about with a carbon tub? Sorry Fran, being a composite guy I lean towards the composite side. The R4GTS-GT1 is one nice car!

[Gary Kadrmas]

Updates........

* Power window lifts
* Air Conditioning
* Maybe a rear wing
* Larger displacement engine
* ZF transmission
* Music as in AM/FM/CASS

Unfortunately, this was done already too. Panteras are nice cars, and affordable. Just hard to find a nice unmolested unit.

[Fuoriserie - Italo]

Originally Posted by Mudgey

H

What does every1 reckon the future holds for a modernised version of the gt40, remember there are less and less people around who grew up with GT40 posters on the wall, there is a new younger breed of buyer with completely different criteria aswel as new safety standards and emission regulations are always getting tighter.

What are current market trends?
Would it be possible for some manufacturers on here to tell us roughly how many kits they are selling, full builds, partial builds, basic kits, engine options etc for say today and 5 and 10 years ago? It would be nice to know where the market has gone and potentially is going!

Cheers!

I think the market is splitting, you have one that caters and will cater to the lover of exotic replicas, and that includes GT40's, P4, 917, and so on, and then modern sportscars, just like Factory Five with its GTM., RCR Coupe, Noble, Mosler , and many more to consider...

They are two distcinctive markets in my opinion, with the only common thing being, mid-engine V8, but the rest is really different.

Demographics, I would think to being similar, but the younger you get, the more modern design you want , at least this is the current European trend.

Design influences in Europe, ar now leaving the modern - retro, to just well known and established brands with heritage, but younger companies are going for modern or futuristic design trends.

Can't tell what goes on in the USA , but maybe there is a similar trend, I would think most are embracing the future with modern designs, but still with a link to the past..

I would also consider, if it's going to be a mid-engine v8, to consider things like hybrid technologies or alternative fuels, because with a more environmentally conscious society, you need a green exotic supercar..

A bioethanol V8 sportscar could have everyone happy for awhile...

Go for a modern Design, just like RCR has done with their new Coupe, it doesn't have to be a Le Mans Racer......, but a modern Design that looks to the future.......

I'm in the oldies generation now.....so count me out. , but looking forward to seeing a new modern mid-engine for the year 2010...

[Fuoriserie - Italo]

Mclaren is working on a modern F1, but maybe with a V8.....

http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsAr...lCars/226348/#

There is a market for a modern mid-engine v8, but it needs to be modern...