Take a seat: GTO Engineering takes delivery of Squalo interior buck for initial testing

Celebrating the visceral experience and enjoyment of driving, GTO Engineering has taken delivery of the interior buck for Squalo, its homologated, built from the ground up, Sixties-inspired sports car. The teams will work together to approve the open-gated manual gearbox positioning, instrument cluster size and location, steering wheel size and steering rack location, and a range of other crucial interior items, before production starts.

Taking delivery of the interior buck at GTO Engineering’s UK HQ, the team, which ranges in drivers under 5ft3 and over 6ft3, will scrutinise Squalo’s current interior design, to ensure it engages and indulges, while maintaining the minimalist and driver-centric goal. The engineering development and design teams will work together on packaging analysis, specifically the lower seating position, the angle and size of the bespoke steering wheel as well as the open-gated manual gearbox and lever positioning, too.

Driven by a five-speed manual transaxle gearbox coupled to a powerful 4.0-litre 460 bhp V12 engine; the teams at UK-based GTO Engineering have been developing a cabin that will engage and excite in equal measure.

Managing Director and Founder of GTO Engineering, Mark Lyon said: “I’ve driven many cars and there seems to be a perfect recipe for an engaging driver’s car. It’s not just to do with the engine, suspension, gearbox or brakes - a large part of it is how it feels from the cabin… Specifically from the driver’s seat.

“For Squalo’s cabin we’ve taken key steps to combine modern engineering and traditional values of what makes a great interior. Our aim is to provide a package that those taller drivers fit comfortably, smaller occupants can enjoy, and the positioning of all the key items - from the steering wheel size and location, placement of the gearbox lever, to the seating position - are all placed perfectly for both.”

The buck, which has been created using elements of additive manufactured polymers and wood, will arrive at GTO Engineering and serve as a testbed for the entire team. There, at GTO Engineering’s HQ, a range of adults varying in height and stature will be given the opportunity to provide vital feedback, which the design team will use to make improvements. It’s this information that will be key in ensuring that the correct distances between all the cockpit components are achieved, and that both the passenger and the driver are seated in their optimum positions.

All enquiries regarding the Squalo are to be directed to [email protected], or call +44 (0) 118 490 1101 to discuss the delivery, specification, and individual ordering process with the team.