We have been waiting for it for a long time. Well, that depends on whether you mean the 1960s or earlier in 2026, but finally, the reborn Ford GT40 is here, thanks to the guys and girls at Cape Advanced Vehicles.
Teased earlier in 2026, the South African company has decided to recreate the GT40 as close to the original 1960s edition as possible. This isn’t a direct successor to the modern Ford GT of 2016, but more of a modern interpretation of the original car that dominated Le Mans in the late 1960s.
Cape Advanced Vehicles has spent the best part of two decades building faithful replicas of the GT40. However, this time, they wanted to create the spiritual successor to the car, rather than just another replica. That is what led them to bring us the GT MkII, which packs a supercharged V8 under the hood.
Images recently released have shown off the finished product in all of its glory. It pays homage to the original GT40 while giving the design a modern refresh. Underneath, it is very modern, with an Audi powertrain and underpinnings, as well as extensive use of carbon fiber throughout its construction.
This Is a GT40 Successor, Not a Replica
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Cape Advanced Vehicles (CAV) has been keen to stress that this is not a replica of the original Ford. It is a deliberate attempt at making a spiritual successor, keeping design cues from the original car while equally refreshing the appearance of the GT MkII. At the back, for example, we can see the classic round lights, which have now been updated to include modern LED technology.
The car also features twin air intakes, rear snorkels, and is even finished in a Gulf-style blue and orange livery. That pays homage to the original Gulf Racing colors, perhaps the most famous colors to ever adorn a race car at Le Mans. But the new car now has a wider body compared to the original, and a lower stance, giving the GT MkII even more purpose.
Under the skin, the car is very modern. CAV has used an Audi R8-derived platform, which utilizes a carbon fiber and aluminum construction. The new GT40 is also all-wheel drive, and it comes with Brembo brakes and KW adjustable dampers. The aerodynamics are also incredibly advanced, and the car has modern driver aids and safety systems. Under the hood, things get even spicier.
Audi V8 Power Was Chosen for the Reincarnated Ford GT40
Take a peek under the hood, and we are greeted by an amazing engine. The new GT MkII has a 4.2-liter Audi V8 under the hood, heavily modified and fitted with twin-win centrifugal superchargers. The car makes a staggering 789hp and 627lb-ft of torque. There are two types of transmission available. You can have a six-speed automatic single-clutch transmission, or a dual-clutch version of the same automatic.
But what will excite enthusiasts is the fact that a manual transmission is also available for the new car. Given there is nearly 800hp to play with, we can see the lights of enthusiasts lighting up all over the world. A manual car with that much power is becoming harder than ever to find. So CAV have really worked hard to ensure that enthusiasts still have something to look forward to in the automotive world.
The CAV GT MkII is no slouch
With nearly 800hp, supercharging, all-wheel drive and a lightweight construction, the GT MkII is no slouch. The new Ford can accelerate from 0- 62 mph in just 3.0 seconds, while it has a top speed of over 205mph. The car weighs just 2,976lbs, easily making it one of the lightest vehicles that money can buy. With 2026 being the 60th anniversary of the GT40’s first LeMans win in 1966, we think this is the perfect way to mark that historic occasion.