GTO Engineering Squalo
The British engineering company specializing in the modification of high-performance cars, GTO Engineering, has presented in the past few hours a mysterious supercar known as the 250 GTO Squalo. The name derives directly from its rather aggressive appearance and its absolutely noteworthy performance, comparable to that of a shark.The first rumors suggest that the car benefits from a weight of just 1,000 kg and a a V12 engine inherited directly from the historic models of the 1960s. 250 GTO Squalo adopts a tubular steel frame with aluminum subframes and an “F1-type-spec” carbon fiber body. The doors and the bonnet will be in aluminum, in order to contain costs and equally offer a solution that is not too invasive.
Even if not specifically mentioned, it is clear from the first renderings that the stylistic inspiration will be taken from the iconic Ferrari 250 GTO. However, it doesn't appear to be a simple recreation, rather a modern version reinvented with some substantial tweaks, including a double cradle design on the roof. Modern details include a revamped exhaust and new luminous signature, as well as a set of bespoke 18-inch alloy wheels.
Squalo reportedly will be powered by a directly inspired 4-liter V12 engine to the first models of the 60s. At present it is unclear what the power output will be, but a substantial input of horsepower is expected compared to the version used on the historic 300hp 250 GTO.
GTO Engineering CEO Mark Lyon said he having received a strong number of acclaim over the months perhaps precisely because of the intrinsic characteristics of the model: low weight, high power and a redefined look. In short, the perfect recipe for a highly fun and engaging product.
It is estimated that each model will take 18 months to be handcrafted from GTO Engineering's Berkshire base; 300 hours of work will be needed just to refine the engine, while each car will be set up with the specific requests of individual customers (tailor made). No pricing has been detailed, but if the company's 250 SWB Revival is anything to build on, expect six-figure figures.
The GTO Engineering Squalo Needs A Space In Your Dream Car Garage
The Squalo by GTO Engineering is due to go into production in 2023.
GTO EngineeringIt’s time to free up some space in your lottery-win dream car garage, because Ferrari specialist GTO Engineering has an update to share on its new car.
Formerly known by its project name Moderna, the car is now called the Squalo – Italian for ‘shark’ – and the British firm has revealed renders of what it will look like when production begins in 2023. As per the original sketches, the GTO Engineering Squalo has a design influenced by the Sixties’ Ferraris the company is famous for restoring.
As well as revealing what it will look like, GTO Engineering has confirmed the Squalo will weigh under 1,000kg and be powered by a bespoke 4.0-liter, quad-cam V12 engine with a manual transmission. Given the company’s reputation for building new examples of the Columbo-designed V12 famously used by the Ferrari 250 SWB and 250 GTO, its first own-brand engine promises to be very special indeed.
Inspired by Sixties sports cars, the Squalo is claimed to weight under 1,000kg.
GTO EngineeringSpeaking of the engine, GTO said this week how the V12 has undergone significant aesthetic updates and lightweight upgrades, including the removal of the carburettor surround to ensure the intake trumpets can be seen when the hood is open. More details on the engine, including its power output and weight will be revealed in May.
Reminiscent of a 250 SWB, the Squalo also features a Zagato-style ‘double-bubble’ roof, as well as more modern touches like a set of bespoke 18-inch wheels. These are to be clad in a set of custom tires currently in development in conjunction with a leading manufacture, GTO Engineering says.
The company, which is headquartered in Twyford, England and has an outpost in Los Angeles, also revealed today how finer exterior details have now been signed off, including the door handles, wing mirrors and alloy wheels.
The Squalo will be powered by a bespoke quad-cam V12 engine with exposed intake trumpets.
GTO EngineeringMark Lyon, founder and managing director of GTO Engineering, said: “There’s been an outpouring of admiration for what we’re doing here and, we realize, a little bit of scepticism whether we’re actually making this: a V12-powered, sub-tonne sports car with a Sixties feel but modern reliability, enjoyment and manufacturing quality. We’re here to hopefully set the record straight to say yes, it’s happening and we’re sticking to our original ethos for the car as well as timing promises for production.”
Lyon added: “We are also delighted to have early adopters and customer orders received already, and we thank them for the trust in our vision and business.” GTO Engineering hasn’t said publicly how many examples of the Squalo it plans to produce, or what the price will be.
The Squalo is the first car to be built by GTO Engineering, a UK-based Ferrari specialist.
GTO EngineeringThe company currently charges from £850,000 for its Ferrari 250 SWB Revival, but unlike that car the Squalo is not a restored example of an existing car by another manufacturer. This is a car built from scratch by GTO Engineering itself, and will be badged as such.
Lyon said: “It’s often the small parts of a car that take the longest time. We’re now at a stage where the design models are being created here in the UK and soon we will announce our technical partners working with us on the exterior manufacturing and interiors, as well as wheels and tyres...I’ve never been as excited about the creativity of manufacturing and design as I am now.”
The car will be built at GTO’s Twyford headquarters and the first customer deliveries are scheduled for 2023.