LAUNCH OF NEW CARS AT THE AUTOSPORT INTERNATIONAL SHOW
09 January 2007 - Autosport International Show 2007

GRAHAM HATHAWAY ENGINEERING

Race car constructors Graham Hathaway Engineering (GHE) have announced that the company’s latest two cars – the GTS and GTB - will be launched at the Autosport International event at Birmingham’s NEC between January 11th and 14th on stand number 10217.

Both cars are based on the popular Global GT Lights concept, the series which has been run by Graham Hathaway following his buy out in 1999.

The first of the two cars to be launched is the GTS - the highest specification car to have been made available by GHE. The car has been created primarily for the SRCC Sports championship, but is also eligible for the Castle Combe Special GT series, Open GT, SEMSEC GTs and other international Open Sports classes, as well as hill climb events and track days.

The GTS is based on the existing GT2 with modified chassis, bodywork and aerodynamics, with power from the Ford 200bhp 2ltr Duratec engine, Mountune Sports 2000 specification. With a weight of a mere 500kg, the power-to-weight ratio is extremely impressive. Couple this with a wheel base of 2150mm and an overall length of 3670mm, the final result achieved is a small, light and extremely nimble machine. The car is forecast to be one of the strongest in the SRCC Sports championship next year. The ergonomics of the car have been a key feature in its design, too. It is very easy to access and work on the car via totally removable front and rear covers, and it is extremely responsive to set up change – a key benefit for those wanting to use the car for track days. In addition to the race-spec 2ltr Duratec engine, track days users have the option of potentially running an engine up to the 2.3ltr 330bhp Duratec. The car will also be road legal once it has been passed by the SVA following its launch.

There are other factors that make the credentials of the GTS impressive. For example, Elite Transmissions have provided the lightweight and proven 5 speed sequential gearbox, linked to the engine via an AP Racing single plate clutch. All the safety devices are FIA, SCCA and MSA approved.

Prices start at £5,500 for the GTS starter ‘Kit 1’ body and chassis. The fully built, full specification SRCC championship car will cost £39,995 plus VAT. Complete kits start at £21,100 plus VAT (less engine and gearbox assembly).

The GTB, also to be launched at the same time as the GTS, is a new version of successful GT1 car with an upgraded engine. The existing GT1s are powered by 600cc and 1,000cc Yamaha engines, so the new 1,300cc 200bhp DOHC 4 cylinder Hyabusa unit in the GTB provides a significant power increase compared to its predecessors.

Despite the new engine, the car still only weighs 415kg and features a 6 speed sequential primary gear change transmission. A built GTB will cost £22,900 plus VAT. All existing Global GT competitors can upgrade to 1,300cc Hayabusa engine from £4,854.21 plus VAT, with an additional aero pack becoming available.

Graham Hathaway explains why he has chosen to launch the cars at the Autosport International event. “The show is now well established and is the biggest UK motorsport show with really strong attendance figures and high profile industry visitors. Based on our budget, the show offers strong exposure and, with the show being pre-season, it is on at the best time to release any new products. It still gives enough construction time for buyers who wish to build their car and test it before the racing gets underway.

“Launching the GTS in particular is a positive move for us. The SRCC championship is a long standing and stable series with good grid volumes, both here in the UK and the US, which gives GHE improved brand awareness and new markets for sales opportunities.”

www.autosport-international.com

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