Eberlarty's Ford GT40 electric conversion, 800 horsepower.
Governments are pushing for the elimination of vehicles with internal combustion engines, which could one day take even classic cars off the road.
The powertrains will need to be removed and battery-electric systems installed, but there are ways to save them. Many companies are beginning to offer this service, and automakers such as Volkswagen Group, General Motors, and Ford are getting in on the act.
One company offering a comprehensive service is Everrati, a British company that has developed an electric conversion of the Ford GT40. Thankfully, the original GT40 was not used in this conversion. Instead, Everrati used one of the excellent replica versions built by Superformance, based in Jupiter, Florida.
First unveiled last summer, Eberlaty's GT40 features a custom-designed powertrain that produces a total of 800 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque from two electric motors at the rear axle. 6.52:1 compound The car is also equipped with a 6.52:1 compound single-ratio reduction transmission and a limited-slip differential.
The battery is a 60-kilowatt-hour unit that runs on a 700-volt electrical system, which Everlati says is designed to last on the race track. The range is claimed to be over 125 miles, and a charge from 20 to 80% can be completed in about 45 minutes using a fast charger.
Performance figures include 0-60 mph acceleration in less than 4 seconds and a top speed of approximately 125 mph.
To ensure optimal weight distribution and improve vehicle dynamics, each element of the powertrain, including the battery and drivetrain, utilizes existing chassis structural mounting points. The result is a weight distribution of 40:60 front:60 rear, closer to the ideal 50:50 than the original GT40 used in racing. The car weighs 2,910 pounds, comparable to the original GT40 racing car when fully fueled.
Where necessary, non-powertrain components were also upgraded to meet modern standards (e.g., safety) and to make the car more future-proof.
Other models that can be modified by Everlati include the 964-generation Porsche 911, the Land Rover Series IIA, and the W113-generation Mercedes-Benz SL.
