► ATS GT Supercar unveiled at Salon Prive
► Powered by 690bhp 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8
► Only set to make 12 examples, priced at over £1 million
Bored by the constant stream of pure electric or hybrid supercars? You’re in luck, as the shortlived ATS (Automobili Turismo e Sport) brand of the 1960s is back with an all-new 690bhp supercar capable of over 200mph.
Developed and built on the outskirts of Turin, the ATS GT is powered by a 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8, and claims a 0-60mph time of just three seconds. Helping it on its way is the extensive use of carbonfibre in the bodywork and chassis, leading to a dry weight of just 1300kg.
While ATS hasn’t disclosed the engine supplier, sources suggest it’s the Ricardo unit as seen in the McLaren 12C and 650S.
Anyone can put a big engine in a car, what makes the ATS GT different?
Well, there is heritage under that carbon skin. A quick history recap: the ATS brand was originally formed by a group of ex-Ferrari engineers who – unsurprisingly – knew a thing or two about building exotic machinery. The ATS 2500 GT caused quite a storm when it was unveiled at the 1963 Geneva Motor Show.
Later models produced 260bhp and weighed in at just 750kg, with top speed a heady 165mph; and remember, this was back in the early ’60s. The price tag was equally astonishing, coming in at 5 million lire – comedy figures at the time. Only 12 models were produced but the heritage was cemented.
Fast forward to 2017 and the company is back in a reimagined form. Backed by entrepreneur Daniele Maritan and designed by former Bertone man Emanuele Bomboi, the mid-engined ATS GT boasts cutting-edge tech.
Included in the spec is are three switchable engine and suspension modes, giving drivers the option to toggle between Viaggio (Tour), Sport and Corsa (Race) settings.
ATS also promises the GT will be the first ever vehicle to take advantage of Google intelligent navigation systems with full screen tridimensional maps. Other highlights includes the Prima Orchestra professional hi-fi system – again, used in a car for the first time – which promises to drown out the twin-turbo V8, should you actually want to…
When can I buy one?
Ahh… See this is the tricky bit. ATS is only making 12 examples of the GT supercar and they’re set to cost over a million pounds each.
Mind you, we understand that none have yet been sold and, if you were to buy one, ATS will customise the GT’s colours, material and finishing touches to your own personal specification. After all, it’s either one of these or five-and-half bog standard Ferrari 488 GTBs…