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GTM Prototype #3 Photos & Video
GTM-200... The Future Factory Five
 

Here it is... The running, driving mule for the GTM-200 Supercar project!
 
Production Version due in 2005
The cat is officially out of the bag.  Here are detailed photos and video of the running car chassis, aluminum, engine and details on the new Factory Five Racing GTM-200 Supercar, now showcased at the 2004 SEMA show in Las Vegas and also scheduled to be shown at the 2004 Western Round-up event for FFR owners at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on November 6, 2004.
 
 
Since we first released details about this ambitious project, we have been flooded with questions.  Owing to the level of interest and to the importance of the project (building a chassis and body kit capable of the performance envelope we targeted is no small matter), we have been very careful.  You could also say "It's taking forever!"... For sure the project has taken more time than we originally estimated.
 
Here is a head-to-head comparison of the evolution from concept car to pre-production model.
 
The first body shape (yellow car shown at SEMA 2003) has been re-worked in some important ways.  The wheelbase has been increased from 98" to 101", all of which is from the cockpit forward to the front wheel (which was moved forward toward the nose).  The longer wheelbase pays dividends in handling and results in more cockpit space and headroom.
 
 
The roofline has been increased in radius to net even more headroom.  Subtle changes to the body result in a more refined production car look and increased ergonomics in the cabin.  The chassis has been thru three actual prototypes and is finally settled on a perimeter tube design (as opposed to the radical single tube backbone original concept).
 
 
A year ago the design team was moved to a separate facility and allowed to work in an environment more insulated from the day-to-day workings of Factory Five (somewhat akin to a mosh pit with telephones and car parts).  Since this car has generated a huge level of interest from the press (and will get just as much scrutiny when it's released), we could not risk anything short of an "over-the-green-monster" Fenway homerun.
 
 
The expectations are just as high as our goals.  The company has put its best efforts into this project and to date, we are pleased with the quality thinking and discipline of the development team.  while the supercar project has progressed more slowly than we wanted, it has definitely resulted in a world-class product.
 
 
Under the direction of development team leader Jim Schenck, the project has involved not just dedicated resources here at FFR, but has also included outside partner companies.  The GM parts bin is new to us and the team received solid advice and help from Ken Thom at the Bondurant School, who has in-depth knowledge of Corvette systems and performance.  Other companies contributing to the effort have been carefully selected. 
 
 
As the actual production dates come into clearer focus, we can tell you a few things.  The GTM will enter production in 2005.  The car weighs just over 2,200 lbs full of fluids (sans driver) and uses Corvette C5 engine, front and rear suspension, brakes and fuel cells.  The rear window is all glass (with defroster) and the side windows are roll-up.  The dash is carbon fiber and the cockpit features a full cage construction.  The transaxle is Porsche  G-50 (911) and we are making a custom adaptor plate to mate the German gearbox to the Chevy V-8.  Price is still targeted under $20K.
 
 
This car is extremely close to the production version and is a fully operational and driving prototype.  This chassis is actually prototype chassis #3.  Stay tuned!
 
Factory Five Racing, Inc.