Ginetta G40 launched

Ginetta has taken the wraps off its new entry-level G40 at the Autosport International show.The roadgoing racer is primairly intended as an affordable entry into motorsport from those as young as 14. The car will be used in the Ginetta Junior Championship from next season as a support for the BTCC.Ginetta chairman Lawrence Tomlinson told Autocar that the inital batch of G40s had already sold out even before the company revealed it at today's show."The first batch we've produced are for the kids racing in the championship," he said. "That will take us up to March, and then we will concentrate on the roadgoing ones."Tomlinson belives the G40's unique selling point is its inclusion of an FIA roll cage as standard. This will allow drivers to drive the car to any circuit in the world, as well as using it on track days.The fibreglass-bodied, rear-drive G40 weighs 840kg and is powered by a modified 150bhp version of Ford’s 1.8-litre Zetec engine, as used in the Focus and C-Max. It should hit 0-62mph in 6.5sec and go on to a top speed of 140mph.Prices start at £25,000.

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