New Ginetta G55 previewed – first renderings released

Ginetta has its new GT lineup setup for the 2011 season.

The new Ginetta GT Supercup will be sponsored by Michelin and features two Ginetta GT racers – the G55 and G50.

First off is the new Ginetta G55, which comes with a 3.7 liter 370 bhp (276 kW) Ford-sourced engine coupled to a Hewland gearbox and fitted with cool air induction kit. Also new for the 2011 G55 is an exhaust system and new body panels for better aerodynamics.

Race teams can have a G55 for £75,000 (€88,590).

For teams that want to upgrade their current G50 to the next G55 – price is £25,000 (€29,530).

The 2011 G50 will also come with a Ford-supplied engine – a 3.5 liter with 300 bhp (224 kW) – and fitted with a Hewland gearbox and cool air induction kit. The G50 has won several GT4 championships worldwide.

The new G55 will be unveiled at the at Autosport International in Birmingham (UK) on January 13th.

NEW ‘GINETTA GT SUPERCUP’ FOR 2011

Dual-class G55 and G50 series set to create GT feeder championship

Ginetta today announces exciting new plans to shake up the BTCC-supporting series, previously known as the Michelin Ginetta G50 Cup – unveiling the new Michelin sponsored Ginetta GT Supercup in which both the G50 and its highly-anticipated sister car the G55 will be eligible to compete.

The radical move from Ginetta Chairman Lawrence Tomlinson, is set to emulate the class structure in other worldwide GT championships such as the Le Mans Series, ALMS and British GT and competitors will benefit from having a separate points system and podiums.

The launch of the Ginetta G55, which Tomlinson first alluded to in October, will be made at Autosport International on January 13th where exhibition-goers will be able to see for the first time the new 370bhp machine. The car will also boast a 3.7 litre Ford engine, Hewland gearbox, cool air induction kit, up-rated front and rear brakes, new exhaust system and stunning new bodywork with improved aerodynamics. Retail price has been set at £75,000.

Teams running the current Ginetta G50, which has won multiple GT4 championships worldwide, will be able to upgrade their existing car to the new G55 for £25,000 or take advantage of a new part-exchange system. The 2011 G50 will run at 300bhp with a 3.5 litre Ford engine, Hewland gearbox and cool air induction kit.

Entry fees for the new 2011 Ginetta GT Supercup will be:

* £9,750 + VAT for a G50

* £11,750 + VAT for the G55

Ginetta Boss, Tomlinson said of the new changes commented: “The G50 has dominated GT4 since its launch 2 years ago and proved itself as a real stepping stone into the GT4 arena. By introducing the G55 into the new Ginetta GT Supercup, I want to broaden Ginetta’s offering to all drivers expanding our career ladder even further and highlight a real route into GT3 – whilst still providing an affordable way to enjoy top level racing.”