Us Americans have a well-deserved reputation for building powerful engines. It used to be that it seemed we could only make power from big-displacement V8 engines, but that has never really been true. Ford especially has been making small, powerful engines for racers the world over for decades and continues that tradition to this day.

Ginetta, a small British car company that builds mostly speedy roadsters, has just announced that it is using an upgraded 370 horsepower 3.7 liter Ford V6 engine in its new G55 race car.

While we often talk about American cars, it is important to remember that great gearheads the world over enjoy going fast and racing. In fact, many of the best racing series originated in the British Isles, where race tracks popped up overnight on repurposed airfields and small cheap race cars were plentiful. Called the Ginette GT Supercup, Ginetta has been running a one-make racing series for its cars for some time now. The old G50 used a mid-mounted 3.5 liter Ford V6 engine making about 300 horsepower.

The new 3.7 liter engine makes 370 horsepower in the G55, which now has upgraded brakes, a Hewland gearbox, cold air induction kit, and a new exhaust system. We’re not sure if this engine has any relation to the 3.7 liter engine found in the 2011 Mustang, but we wouldn’t be surprised. The bodywork has also been upgraded with improved aerodynamics as these race cars can get some serious speed going across the short courses. Of course, these cars cost about $100,000 and the entry fee for the racing series is about $11,000-$14,000. Not for the light of wallet. It just goes to show that Ford has never lost its edge for making fun, powerful engines, even when they’re missing a couple of cylinders.

Official Release

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.