|
Graham Hathaway Engineering to launch new cars at the Autosport International Show |
|
|
|
|
Monday, 18 December 2006 |
 Race car constructors Graham Hathaway Engineering (GHE) have announced that the company’s latest two cars – the GTS and GTB - will be launched at the Autosport International event at Birmingham’s NEC between January 11th and 14th.
Both cars are based on the popular Global GT Lights concept, the series which has been run by Graham Hathaway following his buy out in 1999.
The first of the two cars to be launched is the GTS - the highest specification car to have been made available by GHE. The car has been created primarily for the SRCC Sports championship, but is also eligible for the Castle Combe Special GT series, Open GT, SEMSEC GTs and other international Open Sports classes, as well as hill climb events and track days.
 The GTS is based on the existing GT2 with modified chassis, bodywork
and aerodynamics, with power from the Ford 200bhp 2ltr Duratec engine,
Mountune Sports 2000 specification. With a weight of a mere 500kg, the
power-to-weight ratio is extremely impressive. Couple this with a
wheel base of 2150mm and an overall length of 3670mm, the final result
achieved is a small, light and extremely nimble machine. The car is
forecast to be one of the strongest in the SRCC Sports championship
next year. The ergonomics of the car have been a key feature in its
design, too. It is very easy to access and work on the car via totally
removable front and rear covers, and it is extremely responsive to set
up change – a key benefit for those wanting to use the car for track
days. In addition to the race-spec 2ltr Duratec engine, track days
users have the option of potentially running an engine up to the 2.3ltr
330bhp Duratec. The car will also be road legal once it has been
passed by the SVA following its launch.
There are other factors that make the credentials of the GTS
impressive. For example, Elite Transmissions have provided the
lightweight and proven 5 speed sequential gearbox, linked to the engine
via an AP Racing single plate clutch. All the safety devices are FIA,
SCCA and MSA approved.
Prices start at £5,500 for the GTS starter ‘Kit 1’ body and chassis.
The fully built, full specification SRCC championship car will cost
£39,995 plus VAT. Complete kits start at £21,100 plus VAT (less engine
and gearbox assembly).
The GTB, also to be launched at the same time as the GTS, is a new
version of successful GT1 car with an upgraded engine. The existing
GT1s are powered by 600cc and 1,000cc Yamaha engines, so the new
1,300cc 200bhp DOHC 4 cylinder Hyabusa unit in the GTB provides a
significant power increase compared to its predecessors.
Despite the new engine, the car still only weighs 415kg and features a
6 speed sequential primary gear change transmission. A built GTB will
cost £22,900 plus VAT. All existing Global GT competitors can upgrade
to 1,300cc Hayabusa engine from £4,854.21 plus VAT, with an additional
aero pack becoming available.
Graham Hathaway explains why he has chosen to launch the cars at the
Autosport International event. “The show is now well established and is
the biggest UK motorsport show with really strong attendance figures
and high profile industry visitors. Based on our budget, the show
offers strong exposure and, with the show being pre-season, it is on at
the best time to release any new products. It still gives enough
construction time for buyers who wish to build their car and test it
before the racing gets underway.
“Launching the GTS in particular is a positive move for us. The SRCC
championship is a long standing and stable series with good grid
volumes, both here in the UK and the US, which gives GHE improved brand
awareness and new markets for sales opportunities.”
|
|
Last Updated ( Monday, 18 December 2006 )
|
News