Everything Electric: Iconic Ford GT40 Revived as Modern EV
Custom Ford GT40 EV sets the bar high; while Lincoln considers future auto design, and Mercedes-Benz announces their electrification timeline.
Electric vehicle design has gotten really interesting lately. Automotive companies are putting a lot more thought into making hybrid and electric vehicles that people want to drive. Small companies and major corporations alike are contributing new and interesting perspectives to the future of driving. And this week’s news dovetails nicely with how the industry is meeting the challenges of going electric. From reviving dream cars of the past, to making plans for the future, it is an exciting time for change.
Reviving a Legend: Everrati Electric Ford GT40
British EV conversion company Everrati has debuted their latest offering in an electric Ford GT40. Everrati teamed up with Superformance, a manufacturer of 1960s-era continuation component sports cars, to make this special bespoke car.
Founded to further the legacies of some of the most desirable and legendary cars in the world, Everrati adds their state-of-the-art electric drivetrain, with custom-designed electric power unit and battery system. Paired to Superformance’s high-performance component car, it faithfully replicates the GT40 of Le Mans fame.
“This is the perfect partnership,” says Justin Lunny, Founder and CEO, Everrati. “The sole focus of both Everrati and Superformance is iconic cars and [Superperformance] are THE guys when it comes to authorized continuation chassis of some of the most legendary cars in history. Marrying these chassis with our advanced EV powertrains and precision engineering will enhance performance while keeping the essence and soul of the original. We aim to create the best electric driver’s cars while, at the same time, future-proofing these true past masters.”
Is This What 2040 Lincoln
Lincoln Motor Company asked design students at the ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena to design for the year 2040. Given a wide berth for creativity, the students showed some fascinating ideas.
“We didn’t want to restrain or limit the students, so we had very few descriptors,” explained Kemal Curic, Lincoln’s design director. “We wanted an autonomous, electric, and shared two-seater, four-seater, high-riding four-seater, and six-seater… we wanted to include our brand pillars of humanity, beauty, and gliding, based on our vision of Quiet Flight, which is what Lincoln stands for. And we said, let’s dream up something the world has not yet seen.”
While not all the designs are our bag, they are fascinating. The students showed a lot of enthusiasm, talent, and passion for making exciting EVs.
You can check out the designs in the video above.
Mercedes-Benz All-Electric By End of Decade
Mercedes-Benz is getting ready to go all electric by the end of the decade. By 2022, Mercedes-Benz will have battery electric vehicles (BEV) in all segments the company serves. From 2025 onwards, all newly launched vehicle architectures will be electric-only and customers will be able to choose an all-electric alternative for every model the company makes. Mercedes-Benz intends to manage this accelerated transformation while sticking to its profitability targets.
To facilitate this shift, Mercedes-Benz is unveiling a comprehensive plan which includes significantly accelerating R&D. Accelerating and advancing the EV portfolio plan will bring forward the tipping point for EV adoption.
“The EV shift is picking up speed – especially in the luxury segment, where Mercedes-Benz belongs. The tipping point is getting closer and we will be ready as markets switch to electric-only by the end of this decade,” said Ola Källenius, CEO of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG. “This step marks a profound reallocation of capital. By managing this faster transformation while safeguarding our profitability targets, we will ensure the enduring success of Mercedes-Benz. Thanks to our highly qualified and motivated workforce, I am convinced that we will be successful in this exciting new era.”
Photos: Everrati/Superperformance; Lincoln Motor Company; Mercedes-Benz