The new ATS GT is a 650bhp mid‑engined beauty at Salon Privé

In the early 1960s, a bunch of ex Ferrari designers and engineers formed Automobili Turismo e Sport (ATS) and produced the 2500 GT, with its distinctive styling and, for the time, even more distinctive mid-engined layout. It was fast, expensive and rare – just 12 chassis and eight completed cars.

High time for a new model then. Last weekend at Salon Privé the reborn ATS company whipped the covers off the 2018 ATS GT. With some design cues from the original, it’s still a very distinctive – and, we think, mighty fine – looking car, even if its mid-mounted twin turbo V8 is expected supercar fare these days.

The design link with its 1963 predecessor is shown most clearly in the rear side window shape, with its flap of bodywork, like a shark’s fin, cutting into it, a device clearly inspired by the original 2500 GT and highlighted here with dramatic edging in red. The door ‘handles’ are touch sensors in the ATS logo on each fin.

The ATS design DNA also shows up in the front spoiler which bears the blue Dragon of Bologna at its centre, just as the original car did, though today it is picked out in OLED technology. At the rear, there’s no window but there is an active spoiler which rises up at speed to create more downforce.

No engine manufacturer is specified, only its spec: 650bhp (or 700 with an upgrade) to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic for 0-62mph in 3.0 seconds and 0-120mph in 9.9 seconds. Top speed is 206mph. 

The 3.8-litre bi-turbo V8 is engine is dry-sump and there’s a mechanical limited-slip diff along with ESP and ABS electronics, which includes a launch mode. With a mostly carbon composite construction, the two-seater weighs in at 1,300kg.

There are three driving modes – Viaggio, Sport and Corsa – which change the parameters of suspension, transmission and engine power, and are said to significantly alter the car’s dynamic behaviour of the car, making it suitable for track work as well as everyday driving. The brakes are carbon-ceramic.

Just 12 cars are scheduled to be built at ATS facilities in Turin, each customisable to the owner’s tastes. No price is known yet. 

There have been attempted ATS comebacks in the past, most recently in 2015. But this time it all seems to be on track. Who knows, in 53 years time one of the new ATS GTs may well be a Rolex Best of Show award-winner during Monterey Classic Car Week in California, just as its 1964 ancestor has recently been crowned.