**Ginetta: The Wild Side of Racing Cars**
Ginetta, a UK-based motorsport specialist, has gained a reputation for producing wild and feral racing cars that are also road-legal. This small company has a rich history in motorsport, having provided rising talents like F1 star Lando Norris with their first taste of real racing. From the G40 Junior to the extraterrestrial G60-LT-P1 prototype, Ginetta has showcased its motorsport capabilities.
What sets Ginetta apart is its self-sufficiency in the production process. The company’s factory floor is a hub of activity, with everything from welding steel spaceframes to machining water pumps taking place in-house. This vertical integration allows Ginetta to control every aspect of its production, ensuring the highest quality in its racing cars.
One of Ginetta’s latest creations is the G56 GTR, a road-legal version derived from the GT4-class G56 racer. This car is a beast, powered by a 6.2-liter pushrod V8 engine that produces around 420bhp. With a weight of just 1150kg, the GTR boasts impressive performance and can easily keep pace with track-day toys like the Porsche 911 GT3 RS.
Driving the G56 GTR is an exhilarating experience. The engine roars with power, and the precise steering and responsive manual gearbox make for an engaging ride. The GTR’s design is also eye-catching, with an aggressive front splitter and exposed exhaust that give it a Need for Speed aesthetic.
However, the G56 GTR is not without its flaws. On uneven surfaces, the car’s race-derived chassis can feel too aggressive, transmitting every quiver and deflection from the road. But on smooth asphalt, the GTR’s potential shines through, offering precise handling and a thrilling driving experience.
While Ginetta primarily focuses on producing racing cars, it also offers opportunities for aspiring racers through its Ginetta Academy. The Academy provides support and coaching for entry-level racers, making competitive GT racing more accessible and affordable.
Despite Ginetta’s success in the world of petrol-powered racing cars, the company’s founder, Lawrence Tomlinson, is not opposed to electric vehicles (EVs). In fact, he believes that the transition to road-going EVs is unstoppable and welcomes it. Tomlinson himself drives a Tesla and has built an electric Ginetta prototype.
Looking to the future, Tomlinson envisions a world where ICE-powered race cars, possibly burning sustainable fuels, coexist with EVs on the road. He believes that companies like Ginetta will continue to play a crucial role in motorsport, offering unique and distinct race cars that major manufacturers may no longer produce.
Ginetta’s blend of racing pedigree, self-sufficiency in production, and visionary leadership positions it as a key player in the motorsport industry. Whether it’s unleashing wild road-legal racing cars like the G56 GTR or nurturing the next generation of racers through the Ginetta Academy, this small company continues to make a big impact in the world of motorsport.