When we invited Factory Five Racing to participate in the KIT CAR Performance Day, we hoped they'd test their Candy Apple Red, LS7-powered GTM Supercar we first featured in the November '06 KC. FFR's CEO, Dave Smith, had informed us the GTMs performed exquisitely throughout FFR's testing held at the Bob Bondurant School of High-Performance Driving racetrack in Arizona earlier this year ("Track Time," May '07 KC). So we were excited to see how the sleek, mid-engined road burner would do on the tarmac at El Toro Marine Base in El Toro, California.
On the day of the test, the Factory Five Racing 18-wheel tractor-trailer showed up at the appointed hour with a full contingent of FFR vehicles. From all appearances, any of these cars would be happy to be on El Toro's runways pitted against a stopwatch and a radar gun. But the high-performance fun would indeed be reserved for the GTM Supercar and FFR engineer Jesper Ingerslev's Mk III roadster.
The GTM is a unique FFR design that took five years to come into existence. Considerable computer CAD/CAM work led to a full-scale buck. Then, a driving prototype, which was scrutinized by various focus groups, and a final new design, which incorporated a different rear body treatment from the focus group's feedback, finally yielded the first and second production prototypes ("Factory Five's GTM," November '06 KC).
Almost a year has passed since we first featured the LS1- and LS7-powered GTMs. We're told that since its debut over 100 kits have been sold, many of which are probably well under construction in replicar hobbyists' garages across the land. For those projects that have hit a standstill due to a lack of time or whatever, we hope this test article will serve to stoke the fires. Wouldn't it be great to see many more of these FFR GTMs on the streets of America? We think so. When you get the lowdown on how economically these Supercars can be constructed, and how well they perform, FFR's phone lines and Web site may see a huge increase in GTM inquiries. We look forward to seeing the finished vehicles on the road and at upcoming events. Who knows-KIT CAR may decide to photograph and feature your sleek GTM Supercar. Build it as well as this one is constructed, and we might honor your efforts here someday. KC
Factory Five Racing
Phone: (508) 291 3443
Web Site: www.factoryfive.com
Owner
Name: David T. Smith, FFR CEO
City, State: Barrington, Rhode Island
Vehicle
Year and type/model: 2006 FFR GTM Supercar
Pricing
Price of Kit: $19,990
Total Price as Tested: $58,162
Manufacturer Estimate of Hours to Build/Complete
Vehicle: 250
Donor
Year and type/model: (Chevy Corvette, 1998;2005 LS7 engine)
Chassis
Frame: Yes-FFR tubular steel space frame
Wheelbase: 102 in.
Rearend: No (Porsche GT3)
Rear Suspension: No(Corvette donor)
Front Suspension: No (Corvette donor)
Shocks: Yes-Koni aluminum shocks, steel springs
Rear Brakes: No (Corvette donor)
Front Brakes: No (Corvette donor)
Brake Lines: Yes
Master Cylinder: Yes-Wilwood
Brake Booster: No
Steering: Yes
Front Wheel Make & Size: No (Corvette Z06, 18x9)
Rear Wheel Make & Size: No(Corvette Z06, 18x12)
Front Tire Make & Size: No(Toyo RA1 245/35 R18)
Rear Tire Make & Size: No(Toyo RA1 245/35 R18)
Body
Paint Included: No
Paint Brand/Type: Yes-PPG (Polyurethane, Candy Apple Red, House of Kolor)
Windshield/Glass: Yes-DOT
Top: N/A
Roll Bar: N/A (chassis component)
Bumpers: N/A
Grille: N/A
Lights: Yes-DOT legal (Hella)
Mirrors: No (Corvette donor)
Emblems and Trim: Yes-FFR
Fuel System: No (Corvette donor)
Fuel Tank: No (Corvette donor)
Interior
Gauges: Yes-Auto Meter
Wiring: Yes-Painless Performance Products
Steering Wheel: Yes
Seating: Yes-Custom
Upholstery: Yes-FFR custom
Material: Yes-aluminum shell, fabric covering seats, wool carpet
Drivetrain
Engine Brand: Chevrolet
Engine Type: 427ci LS7
Water Pump: No (Corvette donor)
Radiator: No (Corvette donor)
Air Cleaner: Yes-K&N
Ignition: No (Corvette donor)
Headers: No (Corvette donor)
Exhaust System: Yes-FFR custom
Transmission Type: No (Porsche GT3)
Driveshaft: No (Corvette donor)
Shifter: Yes
Air Conditioning: Yes-Vintage Air, custom
Battery: No (Corvette donor)
Engines Brackets: Yes-FFR custom
Accessories: No
Performance
Acceleration
0-60 mph: 4.08 seconds
Braking
Minimum stopping distance
From 60 mph: 98.67 feet
Handling
Lateral acceleration: 1.00 g on race tires
Balance: Neutral
Slalom Speed (420-foot slalom): 47.6 mph on race tires
Lateral seat support: Good
Test Conditions
Temperature: 75 degrees Fahrenheit
Humidity: 30 percent
Elevation: 52 feet above sea level
Location: El Toro Marine Base, El Toro, California