by A new take on the GT40 legend
Most GT40 replicas spend their lives trying to recreate the magic of the 1960s as accurately as possible. Cape Advanced Vehicles has been building such cars since 1999, but now, after 223 examples, it is taking Ford’s “Ferrari killer” into a new, high-tech, and German dimension.
To mark the 60th anniversary of Ford’s famous Le Mans dominance, the South African company has introduced the GT MkII — a car it describes as a spiritual successor to the GT40, not a traditional replica. Instead of being based on a Ford, it appears to be built on the Audi R8.
Design and technical solutions
The famous Gulf-style blue and orange livery helps mentally connect the new car to the original GT40, as do design elements such as round taillights, dual air intakes on each side, and two “snorkels” on the rear deck.
CVA
But almost every detail has been reimagined: from lighting and aerodynamics to significantly larger dimensions. The result is a car that looks great from the front and slightly awkward from the rear, looks familiar, but is in no way what we might consider a continuation model. CVA itself says it “fully embraces the restomod philosophy.”
All-wheel drive and modern technology
Modifying the donor R8 instead of chasing period authenticity means the GT MkII features a modern aluminum and carbon fiber structure, all-wheel drive, electronic driver assistance systems, active aerodynamics, and modern safety systems.
Power comes from a 4.2-liter Audi V8 engine from the donor R8, but equipped with two centrifugal superchargers. The result is 789 hp (800 PS) at 7800 rpm, accompanied by 649 lb-ft (880 Nm) of torque and a redline at 9000 rpm. These are numbers that wouldn’t look out of place on a production supercar and would seriously embarrass the original GT40.
True 200 mph performance
Performance, as expected, is at the supercar level. CAV claims a 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) time of 3.0 seconds and a top speed of 204 mph (330 km/h). Three-stage adjustable KW dampers, Brembo brakes, and an Inconel exhaust system help ensure the car has the necessary equipment to achieve and control these figures.
A six-speed automated manual transmission comes as standard, while buyers can also opt for a dual-clutch transmission. More importantly, CAV is happy to sell you a true manual gearbox. In 2026, this might be enough to make enthusiasts reach for their wallets, even without seeing the price. Production of the 60th Anniversary Edition will be limited to only 40 examples at an undisclosed price.
For a company that has been building GT40-inspired cars for nearly three decades, the GT MkII represents something completely different. Perhaps too different. It is an ambitious project, but also a bold one, as the connection to the GT40 is now thinner than the gap between Ford’s 1-2-3 finishing supercars in France 60 years ago. Would you take the new GT40 MkII over one of the original GT40s from CVA, production of which is now ceasing?
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This project demonstrates how modern technology can reimagine classic heritage, but it also raises questions about how far one can deviate from the original while preserving its spirit. Using the Audi R8 as a base instead of a Ford is a bold move that could both attract new fans and alienate purists. The limited series of 40 cars and the option to choose a manual transmission make this model particularly attractive to collectors seeking a unique combination of history and modernity.
