One of the world’s most recognisable lifestyle magazines, GQ, has named a high-performance electric version of the GT40 developed by Everrati and Superformance as its “Racing Legend of The Year” after the judges decided to award all its car awards in 2022 to all-electric models.
The Everrati Superformance GT40 (MkII) has been described by GQ as the “Ferrari Slayer Reborn” – recognising its heritage as the car that beat the dominant Ferrari in the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The reborn GT40 is “a legitimately registered, fully-licenced GT40”, GQ notes, adding “Grouchy petrol purists might not approve, but this 21st-century machine represents the future as much as the past.”
Developed by Oxford based Everrati, which specialises in electrifying automotive icons, in partnership with Floridian manufacturer of 1960s-era sports car components Superformance, the electric version of the iconic GT40 endurance racer is the first vehicle to be developed through a strategic partnership between the two companies.
GQ’s first-ever eCar Awards were published last week in partnership with French tyre manufacturing giant Michelin and recognised a number of high-profile electric vehicles such as the Rimac Nevera, Porsche Taycan 4S Cross Turismo, Mini Electric Pacesetter, Tesla Model Y, and Arc Vector electric motorcycle.
Several special item EVs were also recognised, such as the Lunaz Rolls-Royce Phantom V – which we covered back in mid-2020 – as the “EV Restoration of The Year”, the Batmobile-inspired McMurtry Spéirling as the “Prototype of The Year”.
“For 2022, we made the decision to update the GQ Car Awards and make all the winners electric-powered,” said Paul Henderson, GQ associate editor.
“What remained unchanged, though, was our intention to pick machines that are inspiring, interesting, have automotive integrity and, most importantly of all, get our pulse racing.”
But it was the Everrati that stood out, he said. “The GT40 is a legendary machine. Its place in history is assured by its back story and its performances at Le Mans in the 1960s. But what really appealed to GQ about Everrati’s Superformance GT40 is how authentic the car is engineered, while being enhanced by a 21st century EV powertrain.
Everrati and Superformance have set the standard for continuation conversions that we think even Carroll Shelby would have approved of,” said Henderson.
Boasting a high-power 60kW bespoke battery and 800bhp from twin motors, the electrified GT40 accelerates from 0-60mph in less than four seconds and can reach a top speed in excess of 125mph (201km/hr).
Everrati and Superformance stayed true to the historic GT40 which was developed by Ford and Carroll Shelby, and which went on to break Ferrari’s stranglehold on the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race, winning the race four times in a row between 1966 and 1969.
So authentic has the transformation been to the history and legacy of the original that it is legally permitted to use the GT40 name as well as carry the coveted GT40/P chassis number.
“It is a huge honour to have the GT40 we have developed with Superformance named ‘Racing Legend of The Year’ in the GQ Car Awards 2022,” said Justin Lunny, founder and CEO of Everrati Automotive Limited.
“To have the car’s historical pedigree recognised in such an awards ceremony that focuses exclusively on sustainable, electric-powered cars is a double bonus.”
“From its 1960s racing victories to the recent hit Hollywood film, the GT40 has become a global icon,” said Lance Stander, CEO of Superformance.
“The GT40 was born of innovation, from the advanced chassis to the extensive wind tunnel testing and computer modelling that changed racing and the auto industry. It is a car that represents an uncompromising commitment to winning, which it still does today.”
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.