The GT40 is back

Mayflower Vehicle Systems has been asked to undertake multiple tasks in the development program for the production version of the GT40 concept car. The car, which borrows styling from the original and production technology from the modern day, marks a change in the way Ford has approached vehicle programs in the past. The vehicle will be developed from the ground up in under two years. The contract means Mayflower will take responsibility for five key areas: vehicle packaging and integration, spaceframe design, class 'A' skin panels, body structure and exterior trim. According to the company there will be some tough challenges. The spaceframe is the backbone of this high performance car and, as such, forms the basis for vehicle dynamics and occupant safety. It will be developed in conjunction with Ove-Arup. The exterior shape of the car is challenging and the class 'A' aluminium skin will utilise superplastic forming techniques in order to realise the unique design. The company also takes responsibility for elements of the body structure. The link between the spaceframe and the outer skin is via structural panels that will also be engineered and manufactured by Mayflower.