New Kid on the Block: the Vinci GT
Cottage-industry exotic sportscar ventures never fail to keep us entertained. The newest: the Vinci GT, a one-off concept, built by a collaboration between the Center for Excellence in Auto Engineering and the Auto Museu da Maia, in the Portuguese city of Porto.
Not much information is available at this point, but the builders want an engine capable of supplying between 350 and 400 horsepower, and are looking at either purchasing an engine from BMW's M division or building one from scratch. The dimensions would put it somewhere between a Lotus Elise and a Ferrari 360 Modena.
If the numbers add up and the car actually makes it to production, it should post some impressive performance figures. As for the styling, as they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Post your impressions in the comments section.
For more pics, click here. Follow the link to follow the car's progress.
Thanks to Richard for the tip!
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Alex Nunez 1:24PM (10/09/2006)
It looks like it could be an extra in Pixar's "Cars 2"
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scopkins 1:20PM (10/09/2006)
The style seems heavily borrowed. It may be combining some great automotive heritage but I'm I'm on the fence as to whether I'd part with the entrance fee. I'd probably be able to buy the Ferraris this knocks off for the same price and get some investment potential, reliability and nameplate prestige for free. It is beautifull but I like authenticity.
...and downforce. I like downforce. I see the tail so I know it has drag, but that doesn't mean it can handle.
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Derek 1:24PM (10/09/2006)
Anyone notice how tiny the front calipers are in proportion to the rear. Is that odd or is it jus me?
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2010 Mustang 1:59PM (10/09/2006)
The car isn't bad looking so don't get me wrong, but the front end looks a little too much like an Esperante, and the rear has Ferrari resemblance. But my biggest gripe is that the entire thing looks a little too much like a kit car, and I believe that is do to the bodywork having too little detail just like alot of fiberglass kit car bodies are made.
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Tiago do Vale 1:53PM (10/09/2006)
It seems to be a caricature of a car, rather that a beautifull one...
It is out of proportion and exagerated: look at the size of the tiny front wheels in the massive lateral of the front of the car.
It borows from too many places, it has too much things going on, it doesn't have any coherence and lacks personality.
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mike 2:10PM (10/09/2006)
Reskinned Z4?
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CaptSnuffy 2:12PM (10/09/2006)
Very... bland.
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rwdmtparkingonly 2:21PM (10/09/2006)
This car is just ugly. It dwarfs its tires like a compact car on 13 inch wheels.
If you want a two seat sports car with less fit and finish than a C4 Corvette, then get a poorly maintained used C4. Doing so will save you a lot of money compared to this.
I'm all for Ariel Atoms, Caterham 7s, Factory Five Cobras (Oops, I mean Mk3s, sorry Carol, you old prick), Morgans and other minimalist sports car.
However, attempting a GT should be left to the big players, or at least to someone that won't make it this ugly.
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Peter 2:46PM (10/09/2006)
Derek, saw that too, maybe someone put the wrong brakes on the wrong end?
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swe 3:18PM (10/09/2006)
its a scaglietti-viper
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exotic cars 5:43PM (10/09/2006)
Looks so cool!
http://www.carsprofile.com
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gkz 6:43PM (10/09/2006)
front looks bloated. i like the side window and door shapes though
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Quattrofan 7:33PM (10/09/2006)
with stunning C8 Competizione due out, wtf would want that?
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Leo 12:39PM (10/24/2006)
Brakes should be ok. If the engine is mounted at the rear, most of the occupants wheight and the engine's is at the rear, so there's the highest braking force. Of course that a high centre of gravity will push the front down when braking, but they must have that figured out...probably with a very low CoG. That could mean this car may be able to corner like a Lotus Elise... Lets wait and see!!!
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rally200 11:11AM (2/10/2007)
Just to add some info:
The car is going into production and they´re planning to build 50.
It´s a RWD with a V6 3.5 (wondering if it´s the Nissan 350Z engine?), 300HP@6200RPM and claiming to do 5.6 secs 0/100kms and a top speed of 270km/h.
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jpaulo 7:16PM (9/06/2007)
very nice,but my friend Ernesto worked whith these guys and he designed the brand new"DINO"replying to that mithic model from ferrari.Pininfarina wasant very happy about it...look at the pictures of the car...its beautiful,the"DINO"refreshed,with rear engine,like the original,not like pininfarina was planing...look for,VINCI SPORT...
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