Superformance, Supercharged, Superfast

Superformance will build a production version of the Shelby GR-1 in the next few years. Until now, there were not many details about what type of engine the vehicle might get. That has changed. According to Robb Report, Superformance will consider a supercharged V8 engine for the GR-1 instead of the V10 engine that was in the original concept. Most likely it will be the 700-plus hp engine that’s in the upcoming GT500. 

“It sadly won’t be a V-10,” said Lance Stander CEO or Superformance. “Ford doesn’t have a V-10 apart from one they utilize in trucks, and we want the GR-1 to be a production car with a production engine—all coming from Ford.” When asked if the company would use the GT500’s engine, Stader said, “You’re thinking on the right track.”

That’s a pretty clear indication that it will either be the GT500’s engine directly or some variation of it. The Robb Report also talked with Stander about the possibility of using the Tremec dual-clutch transmission in the GT500. “[The Tremac] is a very exciting transmission, and we are in talks with them,” said Stander. “But at this point, we are also planning a six-speed manual.” 

That’s good news for enthusiasts. At this time, Ford only plans to build the GT500 with the DCT, but the company did note it would add a manual transmission at some point down the line if enough customers wanted one. Now, it seems customers may have an opportunity to get the powertrain they want in the even more exclusive Shelby GR-1. 

EV Not Out of the Question Either

With all this talk of the gasoline-powered car, the electric version that was rumored has fallen by the wayside. However, Stander says his company is still talking with Shelby American to make the EV GR-1 happen. Stander said Superformance and Shelby can’t ignore the move toward electric vehicles industry-wide. He also said you never know where EVs will be in two years time. 

Stander mentions two years because that’s about how long the company expects for the production version of the GR-1 to come to fruition. Right now the Low Car Volume Manufacturers Act, which is what enables the possibility of the GR-1 in the first place is tied up in the government shutdown. Once the shutdown is done, Superformance can proceed with actually building the car. When it does, let’s hope it has the V8-beating heart of the GT500 under it’s long and gorgeous hood.