G57 Prototype Launch Date Confirmed
After a first shakedown run at Silverstone yesterday (during a GoldTrack trackday) in the hands of 2015 ELMS LMP3 Drivers Champion Charlie Robertson, preparations are now firmly underway for the public debut of the new Chevrolet V8 engined Ginetta G57.
The launch will take place on Thursday 14 January at 10:30am on Ginetta’s stand at the Autosport International show with the car remaining on display for both trade and public days of the show from 14-17 January.
The public launch also marks the start of Ginetta’s intention to increase exports of its model range, already at 50% of production, with the G57 spearheading its growth to all major markets around the globe.
The G57 sits on the same carbon fibre monocoque chassis as the company’s successful and pioneering LMP3 Prototype with a carbon crash box and FIA-approved steel rollcage for maximum driver safety.
A Chevrolet-sourced LS3 6.3-litre V8 engine, developing an astonishing 580bhp, powers the G57 and the powerplant is mated to a six-speed sequential transaxle gearbox from Xtrac.
Furthermore, the Ginetta prototype runs an unrestricted aerodynamic package to help achieve the quickest lap times for this class of car.
The G57 is also eligible for highly competitive sports car racing around the world and is configurable and flexible enough to suit a wide range of driver grades or experience. The Ginetta prototype has already been accepted for competition in the VdeV series in France and numerous open sportscar championships.
Lawrence Tomlinson, Chairman of Ginette: “Myself and Ginetta are delighted to be launching the G57 at Autosport International this January, the show represents the ideal place to introduce our latest model to the public and celebrate the continued success of the Ginetta Motorsport Ladder. If you want to try a Ginetta, we’re also going to be entertaining fans with Ginetta Thrill Rides at the ever-popular Adrenaline Zone so don’t miss out!”
Ian France, Show Director, Autosport International: “The show has witnessed many spectacular launches during its 25-year history. Autosport International continues to be the best platform for companies in the motorsport and high performance engineering sectors to showcase the latest and most cutting edge products. We are delighted to play host to yet another significant UK debut with the unveiling of the Ginetta G57 this January.”
Ginetta Shines In Africa
The Team Africa Le Mans Ginetta G55 made an incredible debut in the Nine-Hour race at Killarney last weekend, with the team earning first GT car, second overall and victory in the Index of Performance.
Driven by South African racing legend Sarel van der Merwe, Le Mans 24-hour winner Jan Lammers and Dr Greg Mills, the team enjoyed a sensational showing in their brand new Ginetta G55, which they took delivery of earlier in the week.
Van der Merwe, South African championship winner and works Porsche driver at Le Mans whose international successes include victory in the 1983 Daytona 24-hour race, said; “The Ginetta is just a fantastic car to drive, and quick too. It’s the best handling car I have ever driven.”
The G55, which only arrived in South Africa the previous week did not miss a beat the entire race weekend.
Lammers, who chased down the leading GT3 Porsche in the last 30 minutes of the race, said; “It was much more fun to be driving with Sarel than against him, if you can’t beat them, join them! I came to the event and to driving the car with an open mind, but still the Ginetta was a great experience. Being able to beat a car like the Porsche GT3 in a higher class category was not only especially satisfying, but illustrates the G55’s speed and competitiveness.”
The Team plans to participate in a number of South African and European endurance races during 2016.
