To celebrate its fortieth anniversary in automotive manufacturing, a Midlands company is launching an ultra light racing car which has the potential to run on biofuel, at Autosport International 2007, 11-14 January at the NEC, Birmingham. (Stand No. 6230).

GTM Cars based in Coventry has designed and is manufacturing the GTM 40TR (Track and Race) car.  The two-seater features an exposed aluminium super-structure and is powered by a 2 litre Type R Honda engine which will produce 220bhp and is expected to reach 60mph in sub four seconds and go on to a top speed of over 150mph.

GTM also plans to develop a version which will run on biofuel and is exploring the potential for a one-make race series linked to the Energy Efficient Motor-Sports initiative.    The GTM 40TR has been designed as a joint venture with another Midlands/Coventry company, Stadco Engineering, purely for track racing, but a road legal version will be manufactured if demand dictates.

The 40TR which is expected to cost between £14,000 to £16,000 otr, will be available for first drives by mid March 2007 and is the fourth model in GTM’s stable. The track car sits alongside the exclusive Ballista sports car launched at Autosport International 2006 which will commence production in June this year, the upmarket Libra sports car launched in 1998 and the Spyder convertible launched in 2002.

Lloyd Taylor, General Manager of GTM Cars said:  “In 1967 when the GTM marque was launched, we manufactured cars for track racing.  We gradually moved into mainstream automotive manufacturing but for our fortieth anniversary we wanted to re-introduce GTM to the world of motorsport.  The GTM 40TR offers racing enthusiasts something different with its ultra light construction.  It is extremely fast and superb value for money.”