Ginetta has released first details and renderings of the G50-based G55 race car ahead of its debut at the 2011 Autosport International show in January.

This new race car is powered by a 3.7L Ford engine with a cool air induction system developing 370 bhp and connected to an unspecified Hewland gearbox. Compared to the G50 it is based on, it has upgraded brakes, a new exhaust system, and improved aerodynamics.

This package can be yours for £75,000, or if you own a G50, you can upgrade for just £25,000.

The G55 will run alongside G50s in the newly formed Ginetta GT Supercup. This is the successor to the BTCC-supporting Michelin Ginetta G50 Cup. It will remain mostly the same, with the main change being the two different car classes running alongside each other. G50 owners will be able to enter the championship for £9,750 + VAT, while G55 owners will need to pay £11,750 + VAT.

Press Release

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.”

Anyone wanting more information on how to enter the Ginetta GT Supercup should contact Stewart Linn on 0113 3854165 or Simon Finnis on 0113 3854148.

Source: Ginetta