Ginetta G60 (2011) first official pictures

This is the new Ginetta G60, a £68k rival for the Porsche’s 911 and Cayman, and a homegrown opponent for Jaguar’s forthcoming XE sports car.

You do. It started life as a Farboud, then became a Farbio when Chris Marsh (of Marcos fame) bought the rights. And now Ginetta owns the company and has completely redeveloped the car.

But before you get all cynical, let's present a little of Ginetta's recent history. Ginetta was acquired by businessman Lawrence Tomlinson in 2005, and he and his team spent the next five years expanding the racing side of the business. In 2010 Ginetta announced plans for the G40R (its first road car in 18 years) and also acquired Farbio Supercars and its GTS sports car to sit further up the road-going range. The GTS was renamed as the F400 but production was halted so Ginetta could completely re-work and redevelop the car. Move forward to 2011 and the G40R was launched, and two months later the revised F400 is with us, and now known as the G60.

The basic silhouette and shape remains, but there are new cooling vents, a revised splitter adds downforce, and beneath the carbonfibre body is a stiffer and stronger tubular steel chassis. The mid-mounted engine is a Ford-sourced 3.7-litre V6, with a six-speed manual ‘box sending the 310bhp and 288lb ft to the rear wheels via limited slip differential.

Bigger drilled and grooved Alcon four-pot brakes feature, the ECU and wiring harness are all-new, and the driving and pedal positions have been changed too. The double wishbone suspension has been changed to incorporate unassisted steering, so it’s goodbye to PAS, and also out is the ABS and traction control systems. Want an electronic safety net? Look elsewhere.

Basically, it’d be easier to list the items Ginetta hasn’t upgraded, overhauled or completely replaced. The result is a 1080kg carbon sports car, able to hit 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds and at least 165mph. Prices start at £68,000, just 50 will be built each year and first deliveries are expected in February 2012. Third time lucky? With Tomlinson's record we reckon so.

By Ben Pulman