This is the undeniably interesting 2017 Green4U Panoz Racing GT-EV electric race car concept, a bold creation that was constructed with the intentions of competing in the 2018 24 Hours of Le Mans as a ‘Garage 56 entry’, which is a reserved catergory for concept cars that test future technology for the automotive industry. In order to create this unique concept, Don Panoz (American entrepreneur and father of Daniel “Dan” Panoz, who founded Panoz LLC. in 1989) partnered up with co-founder and CEO, Jack Perkowski in order to develop a new company called Green4U Technologies. Green4U was a Georgia-based company (as Panoz also is) that focused mainly on the engineering, manufacturing, and development of electric vehicles (EVs) and EV technologies. Together, Panoz & Green4U set out to create an electric race car that showcased performance and range similar to cars with internal combustion engines, and could also be a potential competitor in long-distance endurance racing. The project was lead mainly by Vice President of Engineering and Design for Green4U, Brian Willis, and in 2017, the team showed off a stunning bright green, non-functional concept during the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The GT-EV planned to implement a unique carbon fiber chassis design with an offset closed cockpit, a total weight of 2,200 to 2,750 lbs, a top speed of around 180mph, a 90-110 mile range, and a number of active aerodynamic elements. In addition to this unique racer, Green4U and Panoz even considered a road-legal variant, which was conceptualized by well-known car designer, Peter Stevens (who contributed to the design of the Panoz Esperante GTR-1). Ultimately, the project was shelved in order to direct focus onto other projects at the time, and all that was left behind was the singular static concept car!
How many made? 1 of 1
Engine: two electric motors - 536-603hp (planned)
Debut: 2017 24 Hours of Le Mans
Top Speed: 180mph (planned)
0-60: N/A
Photo credit: @mike_enuk_live
Research: @rarecarsonly