- GKD Evolution
Infobox Automobile
name = GKD Evolution
manufacturer = [http://www.gkdsportscars.com/ GKD Sports Cars]
production = 2006 - on
predecessor = Ginetta G27
assembly =Kent ,England
layout = FR (Front engine / RWD)
platform = BMW E36/E46 3 series or Ford Sierra
body_style = 2-doorconvertible coupe
class =Roadster coupe
engine = Various, including:
Nissan RB,Cosworth , BMW Straight 6, Rover V8
transmission = Various
wheelbase =
length =
width =
height =
weight = convert|750|kg|lb|0|abbr=on-convert|850|kg|lb|0|abbr=on
fuel_capacity =
designer = Peter Lathrope and Richard AshbyThe GKD Evolution is a light-weight high performance convertible sports car manufactured by
British company GKD Sports Cars, based inBoughton Monchelsea , nearMaidstone with workshops atLenham . The Evolution is available in kit form, or fully-built.History
On
27 February 2005 GKD Sports Cars purchased the G27 chassis jigs, body moulds, patterns and drawings fromGinetta .A number of improvements were introduced; to the front and rear aerodynamics, exterior styling, greater torsional rigidity for the chassis, reduced weight, and enhanced front suspension geometry. The cockpit was updated to give more interior space. GKD produced its own fabricated suspension instead of using components from a donor car.
The improved car - renamed the Evolution - was launched in 2006.
Parts are also available to G27 owners wanting to upgrade earlier models. These include a hard top for the first time on a G27.
Car components
The car uses a donor pack from a
Ford Sierra . The donor pack includes differential, half-shafts, brakes, steering rack, prop shaft, and if required, engine and gearbox. The large engine bay helps accommodate most engines, including 2.0 litreCosworth ,BMW straight six and Rover V8. The chassis comes with V8, Pinto, Zetec and Cosworth engine mounts already welded onto it.Kits start at around £5,590, with an estimated build price from £8,500 (as of late 2007).
Fully built cars are also being supplied to foreign markets, countering crash test requirements. Prices start at around £17,500, with the donor pack left to the customer to source. Or GKD can supply all the donor pack components to order.
The body shell is made from GRP fibreglass, with a bespoke chassis housing the engine and suspension.
Example cars
The Evolution can utilise most engines. The chart below indicates performance with a stage 2 Cosworth on half and full boost. The
Ford Zetec "black top" is the standard factory-built engine, but GKD also offer the FordDuratec as an option.A stripped-down, track-based version of the car is also available, with a 200bhp Zetec as used for some race series.
Awards and press comments
The car was awarded car of the year 2006 from "Which Kit Car" magazine. This included winning 5 out of 7 categories in the competition against the "Blackjack Zero" and "C7".Fact|date=July 2007
"From the specification, the EVOLUTION comes across as an out and out performance car which, of course, it is but it's also practical".Fact|date=July 2007
External links
* [http://www.gkdsportscars.com GKD Sports Cars]
* [http://www.kitcarnet.com/ Which Kit Car magazine]
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