RML Group reveals a new GT road car combining classic form and contemporary function, inspired by one of the all-time great road and race legends: the 1959 250 GT SWB. With its front-mounted Ferrari V12 engine and instantly familiar lines, now formed over carbon fibre bodywork, the Short Wheelbase is a fast and usable Grand Routier of the highest order. Known as the RML Short Wheelbase, and now reaching the end of an intensive development programme, the new model pays homage to the driving purity of supercars from the past, while offering occupants 21st-century comfort and convenience. RML’s extensive experience bringing a range of high-tech products to market for OEMs – among them race cars, supercars and continuation models – meant that its team was adept at working with the Short Wheelbase’s original clean-sheet brief. The result is a car that integrates a raft of discreet modern features which transform it into a fast and usable GT, capable of swallowing large distances with a degree of comfort and convenience that wouldn’t have been dreamt of 60.
Reinforcing the drive for exacting quality standards is the Short Wheelbase’s main body section. which is formed as one complete part, from windscreen to tail. This not only minimises the risk of tolerance deviation, but also creates an immensely safe and rigid structure in the event of an accident. When the main and front sections are fitted to the chassis, the structural build is complete and sub-assemblies like the V12 powertrain, bespoke interior and modified suspension can be added. Before the Short Wheelbase’s carbon-composite body is fitted, the 550’s central chassis section is aligned with the suspension mounts on the jig to make sure that it sits correctly. The newly formed sections are then added, along with the seat and body mounts, before everything is finally welded and sent to be e coated (an electrophoretic application) and powder-coated. Each car from the proposed run of 30 Short Wheelbases will take around six months to complete, with the capability of up to six builds in process at any one time to meet the already strong demand from across the world. Production of the first Short Wheelbase will start before the end of this year, with initial customer cars being delivered in early 2022.
RML is one of the world’s leading high performance automotive engineering companies. The company push the boundaries with exceptional and cost-effective solutions for automotive OEM’s. In Motorsport RML’s experience extends to Touring Car, GT, Sports Prototype and off-road programmes in major motorsport series for global automotive brands worldwide, RML has won multiple World Championships for its partners and has a winning pedigree in every series in which it has competed. RML applies this nimble, innovative and winning mind set to developing high performance road car derivatives and advanced automotive engineering solutions for OEMs. One of the company fastest-growing specialisations is EV technology for road and race applications, made possible by our state of the art energy storage design and manufacturing facility, design engineering, software and simulation services. Defence and Aerospace clients, whether this is for a one off powertrain or a complete continuation programme, RML Group has the capabilities and experience to make your programme a success.
