The automotive world is abuzz with the announcement from Lynx Motors and Graham Rahal Performance, revealing their ambitious project to bring a street-legal iteration of the legendary Ford Matech Concepts GT1 Le Mans race car to fruition. This audacious endeavor, born from a complex web of automotive history, involves resurrecting the dormant chassis of the defunct Matech Concepts and transforming them into a breathtaking hypercar for the road. The intricate backstory involves the dissolution of Matech Concepts, whose assets were subsequently acquired by Lynx Motors, paving the way for this extraordinary undertaking.
While Lynx Motors has remained somewhat tight-lipped regarding the specifics of the road-going GT1, they have tantalized enthusiasts with hints of a wider stance, a lightweight carbon fiber body, and meticulously engineered aerodynamic enhancements. The accompanying visuals provide a glimpse into the car's aggressive design, showcasing a prominent front splitter, aerodynamic canards, and a commanding rear wing, all meticulously crafted to optimize performance and visual impact.
The interior of this automotive marvel remains shrouded in relative mystery, although a digital rendering offers a tantalizing preview of the updated cabin. The rendering reveals a contemporary steering wheel, suggesting a driver-centric focus, and what appears to be a wireless smartphone charger, seamlessly integrating modern technology into the car's design. Two-tone upholstery and carbon fiber trim further accentuate the car's luxurious and performance-oriented ambiance. However, with limited information available, the full extent of the interior's features and amenities remains to be unveiled.
Despite the scarcity of detailed specifications, Lynx Motors has confirmed that a limited run of 28 units will be meticulously crafted in Zionsville, Indiana, under the expert supervision of Graham Rahal Performance. Each of these exclusive hypercars is slated to be equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, sourced from the renowned transmission specialists Ricardo, and a supercharged V8 engine that is expected to deliver a staggering output of over 1,200 horsepower.
Adding to the intrigue surrounding this project, Lynx Motors' website introduces the enigmatic Gulf and Eau Rouge variants, which appear to be remnants of an earlier development phase. According to a brochure, the $1,700,000 Gulf variant was initially conceived with a twin-turbo V8 engine, also boasting an output exceeding 1,200 horsepower.
Furthermore, the Gulf variant was intended to spawn two track-only derivatives, powered by a Roush engine capable of generating an astonishing 1,500 horsepower. The Eau Rouge variant, on the other hand, was purported to possess a formidable 1,400 horsepower. The current status of these variants and their integration into the current project remains unclear, adding a layer of complexity to this already captivating automotive endeavor.