GKD Evolution

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

GKD Evolution

Manufacturer	GKD Sports Cars
Production	2006 - on
Assembly	Kent, England
Predecessor	Ginetta G27
Class	Roadster coupe
Body style(s)	2-door convertible coupe
Layout	FR (Front engine / RWD)
Platform	BMW E36/E46 3 series or Ford Sierra
Engine(s)	Various, including: Nissan RB, Cosworth, BMW Straight 6, Rover V8
Transmission(s)	Various
Curb weight	750 kg (1,653 lb)-850 kg (1,874 lb)
Designer	Peter Lathrope and Richard Ashby

The GKD Evolution is a light-weight high performance convertible sports car manufactured by British company GKD Sports Cars, based in Boughton Monchelsea, near Maidstone with workshops at Lenham. The Evolution is available in kit form, or fully-built.

1 History
2 Car components
3 Example cars
4 Awards and press comments
5 External links

[edit] History

On 27 February 2005 GKD Sports Cars purchased the G27 chassis jigs, body moulds, patterns and drawings from Ginetta.

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.

[edit] 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 litre Cosworth, 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.

[edit] 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 Ford Duratec 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.

Performance of sample models
Trim	Weight	Power	Transmission	Estimated 0-60 mph
Road Car	800 kg (1,764 lb)	350 hp (260 kW)	5-Speed	3.5 sec
Road Car	800 kg (1,764 lb)	265 hp (198 kW)	5-Speed	3.8 sec
Road Car	800 kg (1,764 lb)	135 hp (101 kW)	5-Speed	4.9 sec
Race/track car	650 kg (1,433 lb)	200 hp (150 kW)	5-Speed	4.0 sec

[edit] 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.^{[citation needed]}

"From the specification, the EVOLUTION comes across as an out and out performance car which, of course, it is but it's also practical".^{[citation needed]}