Galpin Auto Sports pulled back the tight black car cover today on the eagerly anticipated 2013 Galpin GTR1 hypercar. Sitting on the grass of Pebble Beach right next to McLaren and across from Ferrari->ke252, the GTR1 has some big shoes to fill this weekend. Luckily, it's a futuristic rocket of a supercar with a carbon-fiber shell over a mid-mounted, twin-turbocharged V-8 producing 1,024 horsepower.

Yessir, you read that right. And that is the conservative range of possibilities, with race gas taking the power count well past 1,200 horsepower. The original quoted number is the most elegant however, as it matches this exotic beauty's $1,024,000 price tag. $1,000 per horsepower seems fair looking at the slinky GTR1 in the sunshine.

Available for orders now, the GTR1 is sitting pretty tonight and rolling on the show grass tomorrow. A futuristic take on the LeMans-style supercar, the GTR1 keeps the Ford GT's delightful cockpit and tough six-speed manual transaxle to the back wheels. The power bump comes with a half-foot stretch in width and about a foot in overall length and wheelbase. The resulting road presence is something from the realms of sci-fi or supercar dreams.

The Galpin team deserves praise for delivering this fantastic marvel such a thorough exterior redesign as to make it original (versus the Ford GT). This is truly a bespoke hypercar, in a similar way as the McLaren 12C versus the McLaren P1.

Click past the jump for the full review of the 2013 Galpin GTR1, including pricing information and a huge gallery of photos.

2013 Galpin GTR1

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 Galpin GTR1
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 1024
  • Torque: 739
  • Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The exterior of the Galpin GTR1 is a satisfying mash-up of two of the greatest supercars ever: the reborn Ford GT and the Shelby GR-1 concept. (See styling evolution infographic below to compare them back to back).The GR-1 was a magical promise during a period of light turmoil for Ford->ke31 ahead of the full green-light to the GT program. For fans, this showstopper featured stunning reflective bodywork over a wide and mean fastback coupe profile. A front-mid configuration, the GR-1 had some big fans and still does in the Shelby Ford->ke31 scene. Quite a bit of passion in one case, as we'll see in the conclusion.The styling of the GTR1 is everything the GT offered in terms of mid-engined stance and supercar proportions, while the Galpin also has a long and futuristic nose that looks straight off the GR-1 Concept. In fact, the whole design is completely new - but the Galpin GTR1 has a pair of aces up its sleeve in the looks front versus the Ford->ke31.The GTR1 is more than 5 inches wider and an undisclosed stretch in length, helping the GTR1 to have the long, and low profile of a low-flying spaceship or UFO. The stretch in wheelbase helps balance proportions that integrate a full under-body aero package and carbon-fiber splitters front, side and rear. The display prototype features a hand-formed aluminum shell by MetalCrafters in California, one of the most globally competitive concept car fabricators. On the series GTR1, carbon-fiber bodywork is standard, while aluminum is a cost upgrade. There is a negligible difference in weight in favor of the aluminum, surprisingly.The design also incorporates a nice tail flick that was absent on the Ford GT but is a common LeMans tactic for even better high-speed stability. A good example is the chopped Ferrari->ke252 Enzo versus the longer Maserati MC12->ke1165.There are delicious details all-around the GTR1, including LED blade accents up front and LED shoulder blades in back. A delicious treat, the GTR1 seems the have the production quality to be a classic for its entire lifetime on the circuit. Both the racing circuit, and the concours show circuit.

Interior

The interior wraps the gorgeous original Ford GT seats in color-matched Bridge of Weir leather to nearly every interior surface, including the racing doors and roof headliner. McIntosh HiFi rounds out the equipment list that includes the safety tech from the original GT.Those doors are still gorgeous and dramatic, even in a world with the SLS AMG - they still feel authentic as a section of the roof opens up with the swing-out door. The GT's low and reclined position is famous for accepting tall drivers that the original LeMans racers could not. The gauges make it over with a cosmetic refresh and a new mounting area for the three-pack of round supplementary dials, to just ahead of the steering wheel. The Ford->ke31's steering wheel is hand-wrapped in matching leather, but its lack of controls whatsoever is quite a contrast versus the Ferrari concept.

Drivetrain

The GTR1 starts with a totally redesigned 5.4-liter Ford->ke31 Racing V-8 that ditches the production GT's supercharger for a giant pair of whistling turbochargers producing 1024 horsepower and 739 pound-feet of torque. Through the GT's rear-drive transaxle, the GTR1 sprints to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds. Stupendous performance, helped at launch by the broader weight balance. A chrome spider-work of blower pipes and other engine porn laces the open rear hatch of the GTR1's engine compartment in a supremely beautiful way - certainly worthy of the price versus the shoebox-sized Ford->ke31 supercharger of the day. Stunning brake upgrades are part of the package, as are forged aluminum wheels. Top speed is 225 mph - a cool 20 mph faster than the Ford GT could manage. That makes sense, considering the 1,000-plus output is almost double the GT's 550 factory horsepower. 2013 Galpin GTR1 - Mechanical Details:

Engine

5.4-liter Twin-Turbocharged V-8

Power

1024 horsepower

Torque

739 pound-feet

0-60 mph

3.1 seconds

Top Speed

225 mph

Brakes

The GTR1 runs six-piston calibers over carbon-carbon brakes - something Galpin it has in common with advanced aircraft that can handle maximum stopping force regularly. This is good, as there is no mention of stability control or ABS other than the original Ford->ke31 setup - which may struggle with the new output. Second-gear launches will take you past 90 mph, so you'll still be the life of the party.

Pricing

The GTR1 is priced from $1,024,000, with custom details and personalization available for the leather interior, colors and more. As previously mentioned, the aluminum bodywork is approximately a $200,000 option, available on request. The standard specification includes a full carbon-fiber shell and all bodywork. The Galpin GTR1 is road-legal but struggles with emissions regulations in some markets. The price includes procurement of a Ford GT donor car and Galpin can ship the GTR1 special order anywhere on the globe.

History

The GTR1 is built as an evolution of the Ford GT concept, but unencumbered by big-company rules and slow progress. The Galpin and MetalCrafters partnership is rare indeed - and powerful enough to keep the Ford GT's mid-engined balance but also the GR-1's front-engine nose appearance. It is a marriage made in heaven when finished with the GTR1's meticulous detailing - inside and out - versus the GT as well as the original, non-running Shelby GR-1 concept. The above infographic compares the three cars.

Conclusion

Gorgeous. Jaw-dropping. Recognizable more as a high-performance concept car - this is surely one that will be worth the money for sheer exclusivity. Love it. One of the true stand-outs at one of the most action-paced Pebble Beach events in years.


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