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The GTO Engineering Squalo is a modern take on the classic Ferrari GTO.

Newcomers to ground up sports car manufacturing tend to stand in one of two ways, stunning good looks or headline grabbing performance. GTO Engineering, taking no prisoners, did both.

So far we only have a half-scale model to go by, unveiled at the Goodwood Revival, a fitting venue for the brand's GTO/SWB influenced retro-modern GT car. Give GTOs long history of sympathetically restoring all things Ferrari badged, we're not surprised by the aesthetic comparisons, however stepping in to the shark tank is fraught with risks, Ferrari doesn't take lightly to other brands "borrowing" its designs or intellectual property.

Inspired by, rather than a blatant copy is where the Squalo is at, sure there are parts instantly recognizable, or at least familiar from past classics, some are pure prancing horse, others are just the creative outpouring of GTO engineering design department, either way the results are nothing short of stunning, a modern classic interpretation that's sure to make classic enthusiasts drool with envy.

Categorically not a Ferrari replica despite the obvious influences, GTO Engineering citing the SWB as a source of inspiration. Gazing across the stunning mix of retro-modern curves. It's hard not to notice the triple hood vents ala 250 GTO.

Cast your eyes down the Squalo's flanks, and again vents hint at past Ferrari GT cars, both wheel wells bracketed by cutout vents made famous by the Prancing Horse throughout the 60s. And yet gearheads won't have to venture Maranello, production of this stunner is much closer to home in the UK.

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We don't blame you if the name sounds unfamiliar, but taking into account GTOs reputation in Ferrari circles, classic restorers don't come any better. A quick browse of their current revival line-up gives you an idea of what is possible, any gearheads are fortunate enough to have deep pockets and an old Ferrari in need of some tender loving care, GTO is the one for you.

GTO SWBs, GTO California, and GTO TRs are lovingly handcrafted using original technical drawings, parts that are no longer available manufactured in house to exacting standards using the latest computer design software. Even Ferrari purists would struggle to tell original from GTOs.

Even before production is due to start, GTOs early computer-produced mock-ups were enough to capture the attention of gearheads and media types alike, the Squalo, even in digital form, is nothing short of stunning.

CAD first made its presence in the car industry as far back as the mid-sixties, Peugeot's 204 utilizing the then-state-of-the-art UNISURF platform. Times have changed, computing power has rocketed to a level NASAs Apollo program could only dream of. GTO engineering, small of size with big ambitions, designed the Squalo from the ground up digitally, saving time, money, and engineering errors. Once production kicks off in 2023, the Squalo will be fully road ready.

Several classic Ferraris played a role in the Squalo's design, but can GTOs offering really better than the finest form Maranello? We think so, taking numbers into account the Squalo is on target to match the 250's pared back 2200 lbs curb weight without compromising on space or comfort, and looks set to be a potent mile-crunching GT car.

While GTO Engineering retains a tried and tested tubular steel frame chassis for both weight saving and rigidity. Everything you see externally is more modern, the Squalo's body and tub are carbon fiber, exceptions being limited to doors, hood and trunk which are fashioned from lightweight aluminum.

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GTO Engineering extensive experience in all things classic Ferrari comes to the fore once you lift the hood, however don't expect a Ferrari engine wearing a smattering of updates and tweaks, GTO has gone the hole nine yards with a custom unit built specifically for the Squalo, and in case you're wondering those trumpets will be visible.

Developed from GTOs existing engine line-up, this exotic retro modern classic ships with a 4-liter naturally aspirated V12 motor, weighing just 360 lbs. Tuned to deliver 460+ hp at an ear-splitting 10,000 rpm, guaranteeing gearheads will hear the Squalo long before it appears over the horizon. How fast? No official figures have been released, but it's got to be close to 200 mph, right?

Manual boxes are a dying tradition in modern sports cars, despite a fondness among gearheads who prefer the snick-snick precision you get swapping cogs yourself. GTO listened, the Squalo comes with a 5-speed manual operated by a Ferrari-esque gated transmission, adding to the experience.

One of the few drivetrain parts sourced eternally, and for good reason too, GTOs mammoth engine building task is complex enough without the intricacies of designing and building a transmission. Turning instead to racing transmission specialist Hewland, the Squalo is targeted to combine a 5-speed transmission and LSD in a compact lightweight 70 kgs package, the smallest and lightest of its kind in any road car.

Visually from every angle the Squalo screams classic Italian thoroughbred down to the last detail. You could safely park up and await the masses of curious onlookers and be besieged by questions, how old, is if a Ferrari etc.

Pop open a door and slide into one of the Squalos retro-modern bucket seats and the wow factor continues, clean period inspired modern instrumentation and little else lays ahead of the driver, if it's wow factor you're craving, then GTO nailed it. The Squalo however being a limited edition GT comes with the usual customization levels, if buyers can dream it GTO will build it.

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Originally GTO anticipated production staring in 2023, but like so many of the best laid plans, the Squalo won't appear anytime soon before 2024, frustrating for sure, but then look at Nissan's upcoming Z, years behind schedule, and people still want one.

Patience is a virtue, besides plonking down your $1 million asking price and waiting a little longer leaves more time to ponder over paint and trim color schemes. With a full customization package on offer and a limited number of cars, no two Squalos will ever be the same, GTO Engineering has rather sensibly limited production to 250 cars.

Raised in a car-obsessed environment from an early age ensured a keen interest in anything car-related. first and foremost an F1 fan, but also an avid follower of other motorsports. Professional background working closely with a well established UK based Supercar manufacturer in recent years.