This is the most expensive Ford GT40 ever sold – despite its calamitous history
A Ford GT40 MkII which managed 12 laps at the famous 1966 Le Mans 24 Hours has become been auctioned for a record amount
Nissan took the covers off its experimental ‘zero emissions’ racing car at Le Mans, as it gears up to break new ground by becoming the first electrically powered entrant, at the 24 Hours in 2014.
The ZEOD RC, which stands for Zero Emissions On Demand Racing Car, has been granted the ‘Garage 56’ entry for innovative racing projects, such as the Nissan-powered DeltaWing that made such an impression at last year’s race.
The Japanese giant has signed DeltaWing creator Ben Bowlby as its ‘Global Director of Innovation’ to lead the project and unveiled a prototype concept to the press and public simultaneously at a launch on Friday morning.
The team will evaluate variants on drivetrain technologies before deciding on a solution to reach its target of hitting 300kph (186mph) at the Circuit de la Sarthe, powered by electricity alone. It will be the forerunner to a full-blown Nissan LMP1 entry in 2015, featuring some of the technology developed from the project.
“One of the things that is most exciting is to be at the forefront of technology,” said Bowlby. “There has never been an electric lap recorded at Le Mans, it’s never been done before. It will be a wonderful – and nerve-wracking – experience. Innovation is always risky.”
Paul Willcox, senior vice-president of Nissan Europe’s sales and marketing, explained that the Le Mans campaign reflects the car maker’s desire to promote its place as the market leader in electrically powered vehicles. “We’ve taken a big bet in the industry and made a big investment in electric vehicles at a time when the business is sceptical,” he said. “The Nissan Leaf is the electric market leader, it is proven and we know it works. We’ve sold 65,000 of them.
“In the future electric vehicles will be a big part of a mix of technologies. We want to push the boundaries and 300kph would be a massive step for us.”
The car, which resembles the DeltaWing, is expected to run for the first time in September. It will be fitted with specially developed Michelin tyres.
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A Ford GT40 MkII which managed 12 laps at the famous 1966 Le Mans 24 Hours has become been auctioned for a record amount
Two of racing's biggest rivals are on collision course once more, with the Ford v Ferrari battle for overall Le Mans victory due to resume in 2027 after six decades — and Ford is already talking up the fight
Ford will develop a new top-tier sports car to compete for overall victory in the Le Mans 24 Hours and the World Endurance Championship Hypercar class from 2027 onwards, aiming to continue where its GT40 left off in the 1960s
Peugeot CEO Linda Jackson warned that winning was essential for its Hypercar project earlier this year. After an uncompetitive run in the Le Mans 24 Hours, she says that the fight goes on, with the team confident that it will catch its rivals