Range Rover

The new Lamborghini Aventador L-P-700-4 Roadster made its world road premiere at the Miami International Airport.

With special permission from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Miami-Dade County, the 522kW Lamborghini Aventador Roadsters reached speeds of 338km/h, exceeding the runway’s passenger jet take-off speed of between 240-290km/h.

The new Aventador LP 700-4 is powered by a 6.5 liter V12 with 700HP (515 kW) and 690Nm (509 lb-ft). The engine is coupled to a 7-speed ISR gearbox specially supplied by Graziano Trasmissioni Group. The shift time is just 50 milliseconds. The power is put on the road through a Haldex AWD system. 0-100 km/h in 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 350 km/h (217 mph).

With the passenger jets that normally use the airport taking off at speeds between 150 and 180 mph, the Aventador Roadster is now the fastest vehicle to have ever driven on the tarmac.




Press Release

Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster High Speed Demonstration on closed Miami International Airport Runway

Miami-Dade County Officials Host First-Ever, High-Speed Demonstration

Miami, Florida, January 28, 2013 – Today at Miami International Airport five new Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Roadsters sped down the south runway of the busiest U.S. airport for international flights. With special authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration (F.A.A.) and Miami-Dade County the Lamborghinis, for the first time ever, exceeded the passenger airliner takeoff speed on a runway which is between 150 mph and 180 mph. No current jet aircraft reaches 210 mph on the ground, the clocked
speed of the 700-horsepower vehicles during the closed-course drive demonstration.

Prior to the high speed demonstration, the Lamborghinis were joined by an American Airlines Boeing 777 and lined-up for a photo shoot on the runway. Due to integrated planning on behalf of Miami-Dade officials and the FAA, there was no impact on flight arrivals and departures.

Today’s event, the kick-off of a 10-day media launch and dealer education program, began with an unveiling press conference in Lummus Park at Miami Beach. The ceremonies continued with a 50-vehicle parade down Collins Avenue in South Beach before culminating in the runway drive. Lamborghini executives hosting the press conference included Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., as well as Maurizio Reggiani, Director of R&D, Raffaello Porro, Director Communications and External Relations, and Filippo Perini, chief designer.

“It has been a great pleasure to work with the Miami-Dade Aviation
Department and South Beach teams on today’s amazing demonstrations.
I have never seen something similar at a Lamborghini event,” said Stephan
Winkelmann. “The Aventador Roadster is our most exciting production car
ever and I can think of no better place to celebrate its launch than here in
Miami.”

The Aventador Roadster is the newest open-top version of Lamborghini’s
flagship vehicle. With a 700-horsepower, 6.5-liter V12 engine, the Aventador
Roadster reaches 60 mph in less than three seconds and boasts a top speed
of 217 mph. The vehicle’s removable top features high-tech, lightweight
carbon fiber technologies to achieve a low weight of just 26 pounds.

“Lamborghini is a forward-thinking brand, and today’s event on our runway
was an all-around success,” said Ken Pyatt, Miami-Dade Deputy Aviation
Director. “Both our organizations are focused on efficient performance and
providing our customers with innovations.”

Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.
Founded in 1963, Automobili Lamborghini is headquartered in Sant’Agata Bolognese,
in Northeastern Italy, where it manufactures some of the world’s most coveted
super sports cars. With the introduction of the Aventador LP 700-4 in 2011 and the
debut of the Urus concept SUV at the Beijing International Automobile Exhibition in
2012, Lamborghini has established yet another landmark in the history of luxury
super sports cars. And with more than 120 dealerships worldwide, Automobili
Lamborghini has successfully created an uninterrupted series of extreme, exclusive
super sports cars that include the 350 GT, Miura, Espada, Countach, Diablo,
Murciélago, Reventón Coupé, Reventón Roadster, Gallardo LP 560-4 Coupé and
Spyder, and the Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera and the open-top LP 570-4 Spyder
Performante.

Dartz unveiled a new Black Snake for the Chinese market, the Dartz Black Snake is actually based on the Mercedes-Benz GL 63 AMG and the model is the firm’s first non-armored vehicle.

The Black Snake is now the centerpiece of the brand with high performance, all-wheel drive offerings and the usual garnishings of diamond-encrusted hood ornaments.

To make the interior of this car Dartz seems to have sacrificed an entire zoo, as you can order a variety of different leathers including snake, crocodile, ostrich and their all time favorite whale penis!

Power comes from an AMG-supplied 5.5-liter V8 bi-turbo with an output of 557 horsepower and 560 lb-ft of torque that's linked up with AMG ride control suspension and a seven-speed automatic. All told, it can go from 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds.

Prices for the Dartz Black Snake start at 1,000,000 USD.

Aston Martin has released the first official video for the new 2013 Rapide S.

The new exterior pack adds carbon fiber to six surfaces, including the center section of the new front splitter, all formed and fitted by hand. A jewel-like side-strake machined from aluminum sculpts the side of the car whilst each bonnet louvre is cast individually from high-density zinc.

The new Aston Martin Rapide S receives power from an even stronger engine, the new AM11 V12. The naturally aspirated 6.0-liter V12 unit is capable of developing great power. To be more precise, the output reaches 550 BHP and 457 lb. ft. of torque. This power enables the car to accelerate from 0 to 60 mpg in 4.7 seconds and to reach a top speed of 190 mph. When it comes to European CO2 emissions, the model can reach 332 g/km in comparison to the current model that emits 355 g/km. On a combined cycle, the fuel economy reaches 19.9 mpg.

A new piano black interior pack adds a big dash of the grand to the new Rapide’s interior, with the dark mirror finish featuring across the dashboard facia, transmission tunnel centre plate and door handles. There’s plenty of soft, sculpted leather liberally adorning the four separate seats, as well as a twin screen rear seat entertainment system with wireless headphones, remote control and six-disc DVD changer.




Press Release

Rapide S is the most powerful four-door Aston Martin to date
- Peak output jumps 17% as new 6.0-litre V12 engine produces 558 PS
- More assertive new look emphasises Rapide S’ sports car character

The stunning new Aston Martin Rapide S is making its debut with yet more luxury and yet more power on offer in its quintessentially elegant four-door silhouette.

The iconic British car maker’s new luxury GT has been sympathetically redesigned and painstakingly re-engineered to reassert its position as the world’s most beautiful, and beautifully balanced, four-seat sports car.

Aside from the extensive design and engineering improvements, the luxurious new Rapide S – which replaces the outgoing Rapide in markets worldwide – is now even more refined thanks to a range of additions to the four-seater’s sumptuous interior.

Still instantly recognisable as an Aston Martin, of course, the new Rapide S now boasts an imposing and assertive new ‘face’, created by virtue of the impressive and striking new full grille.

Imbuing the new car with an even more sporting, forceful demeanour, the revised front end design is matched at the back by a striking new rear deck profile which includes a more pronounced boot lid ‘flip’. The aerodynamic and aesthetic upgrades both reinforce the sporting nature of new Rapide S and work to counteract lift at higher speeds.

Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ulrich Bez said: “The Rapide S is to me, without doubt, the most beautiful four-door sports car on the market today. This is, very clearly, the power of luxury in action.

“The car’s stunning visual appeal is now matched by a much more powerful and yet more efficient engine – our exceptional new AM11 V12 – which increases massively both the excitement and performance potential of the Rapide S.

“It is a four-door sports car that uniquely combines luxury, style and sporting excitement in Aston Martin’s most flexible and accommodating silhouette. Purity of proportion and exceptional elegance are mixed with truly sensational dynamic performance – this is the four-door sports car in its most versatile form and I am sure our customers around the world are going to love it!”

Engineered to excel

Changes under the new Rapide’s skin are comprehensive, with a version of the new AM11 naturally-aspirated 6.0-litre V12 powerplant delivering unprecedented power and improved in-gear acceleration.

Power from the new engine jumps significantly versus that of its predecessor: up by 17% or a massive 81 PS from 477 PS at 6,000 rpm to a now very substantial 558 PS at 6,750 rpm.

Peak torque increases, too, up from 600 Nm to 620 Nm at 5,000 rpm. Meanwhile an even more marked improvement in torque occurs lower down the rev range, as pulling power rises by more than 40 Nm between idle and 4,000 rpm with an additional 50 Nm available at 2,500 rpm.

Naturally, increases in power and torque lead to even swifter performance as befits a four-door sports car. New Rapide S shaves 0.3 seconds off its 0-62 mph time, which drops from the 5.2 seconds of the current car to just 4.9 seconds for the new model. Top speed climbs, meanwhile, to 190 mph.

The 5,935 cc naturally aspirated V12 boasts race car technology – developments derived directly from Aston Martin Racing’s successful WEC GT campaign – to maximise both performance and efficiency. The new AM11 engine thus boasts fully CNC machined combustion chambers and lighter, hollow, cam shafts.

Dual variable camshaft timing, knock sensing, even the fully catalysed stainless steel exhaust system – these are all engineering advances developed to preserve the V12’s position as a mainstay of the Aston Martin range.

The engine is now even more efficient, too. Despite the very significant increase in peak power and torque, the Rapide S is appreciably more economical than before. CO2 emissions drop by seven per cent – from 355 g/km to 332 g/km – while fuel economy now stands at 19.9 mpg on the official EU combined cycle.

A product of the latest generation of Aston Martin’s world-renowned VH engineering philosophy, which debuted in 2003, the new car of course benefits from many elements of the current Gen4 VH architecture.

The carefully conceived engineering changes continue as the new Rapide now offers even sharper agility and even quicker responses to driver input. The new AM11 engine – a key Gen4 component – has been lowered by 19 mm versus the position of the powerplant in the previous car, with a corresponding reduction in the sports car’s centre of gravity.

The changes also lead to a tangible improvement in front end turn-in – no mean feat for a car that was already acknowledged as a leader in dynamic performance.

Aston Martin engineers at the company’s global HQ in Gaydon have worked to revise the car’s dynamic stability control (DSC) in line with its significant increases in both power and torque.

As befits the more sporting nature of new Rapide S the car benefits from the latest Gen4 iteration of Aston Martin’s hi-tech Adaptive Damping System (ADS). The system now offers three distinct settings: ‘Normal’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Track’, with the character of each being tailored to the nature of Rapide S.

The ADS automatically alters the suspension settings to ensure the driver has high levels of control at all times, with the ability to respond quickly to different driving conditions. The different damping modes help to significantly broaden the character of the Rapide S, adapting its set-up to suit the driver’s precise requirements. Thus it can be a luxurious GT car in Normal mode with the capacity to morph into a more assertive sports car in Sport and Track modes.

The damper settings are determined by an electronic control unit which takes sensor readings from the car’s systems, including throttle position, brake position, steering wheel rotation and vehicle speed. This data establishes the prevailing driving conditions and the demands the driver is making on the car.

Head of Product Development at Aston Martin, Ian Minards, explains: “Growing the power in a luxury sports car is all very well, but maximising control and ‘usability’ of that increased power is, just as much, the engineers’ challenge.

“Balance, poise and control are the keys to a successful sports car and the dynamic improvements we have made with Rapide S showcase our efforts to make this not just the most beautiful, but also the most beautifully balanced, car in its class.”

He added: “Transmission calibration, ADS refinement, braking capability and engine output optimisation are among the many ‘ingredients’ which the team here at Gaydon have used to create a sports car of unerring quality and excitement.”

Meanwhile, as with the new DB9, the new Rapide S achieves compliance with the latest European pedestrian protection regulations courtesy of its innovative new front grille design.

The lowered engine, new bonnet, new front bumper construction and new grille combine to deliver a uniquely innovative approach to pedestrian impact protection.

The patent-pending design – which features a unique ‘keystone’ construction – enables the grille to move rearwards on impact, whilst the central and outboard chin stiffeners give rigidity to the lower structure and support achievement of the leg impact regulations. Cut-outs on the front wing catwalks contribute to the achievement of the headform regulation.

The solution means Aston Martin can remain true to its design ethos, and avoid the use of plastic grilles and nose cone bumpers that stretch up in front of the bonnet.

First class cabin

As luxurious as it is thrilling, the new car now boasts a host of new luxury- or sports-orientated options, allowing buyers to more precisely tailor the car to their specific style.

The new optional Carbon Exterior Pack, for instance, immediately dials up the Rapide’s sporting attitude. Front splitter, rear diffuser, mirror caps and rear lamp infills all fashioned from carbon fibre clearly signal the sporting nature of this 558 PS four-seater.

More pronounced luxury, on the other hand, comes from the new piano black interior pack that adds a deep, rich, mirror-like shine to the facia, transmission tunnel centre plate and door handles of the Rapide S. A darker surround in the instrument binnacle and steering wheel with black horn-push surround round off the pack’s sumptuous additions. Luxurious blend headlinings in either tan or grey emphasise the luxury still further inside.

As would be expected of a modern Aston Martin, handcrafting is the order of the day in the Rapide S with the standard-fit pure glass transmission selector switches in the centre console one small yet important example of the truly authentic, bespoke, nature of the car’s cabin.

However those with a desire for a more sporting ambience in their sports car will not be disappointed. Optional duotone perforated red and black leather makes its Aston Martin debut here – delivering a captivating visual combination that’s unique to the new Rapide S.

Luxury is enhanced by the removal of extraneous ‘noise’ and the enhancement of desirable ‘sound’ – a fine distinction but one that helps the new car deliver an aural experience like no other. Improved NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) characteristics are derived from the likes of the new bonnet lining and revised windscreen cowl.

Flexibility comes in the form of four seats – the rearmost two capable of accommodating adults in a uniquely sporting setting – while at the touch of a button the individual back seats fold down to almost triple the Aston Martin’s load space.

Options to further enhance the luxurious look and feel of the Rapide S include, subject to market, a reversing camera and twin screen rear seat entertainment system with wireless headphones, remote control and six-disc DVD changer.

Those seeking the ultimate in luxury and personalisation can also consider the ‘Q by Aston Martin’ service which offers uniquely-tailored options for individualisation. The Q service focuses on fashioning colour and materials with limitless boundaries precisely to customer choice and specification, enabling owners to give free rein to the creativity and indulge their desire for bespoke luxury.

The new Aston Martin Rapide S will be available to order through the brand’s 146 dealers worldwide next month with prices confirmed closer to the on-sale date.

Rolls-Royce has introduced the new Ghost special edition, called the Firnas Motif.

The first is inspired by the investor Abbas Ibn Firnas, while original visionary was Khadim Al Helli of Abu Dhabi Motors. It is painted in white and blue color and inside follows the same philosophy of white lined with blue stitching and wood trim.

Like the standard model, the Ghost Firnas Motif is powered by a turbocharged 6.6-liter V12 engine that develops 563 bhp (420 kW) and 780 Nm (575 lb-ft) of torque. It is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission which enables the model to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds) and hit an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).

The unique Ghost has a two-tone exterior with a flight motif on the coachline, while inside the cabin, the Firnas Logo appears on the headrests, sill plates and dashboard. There's also a personalized tread plate with the wings design and personalised message: "Firnas motif - one of five".

Praga Cars has revealed full details of its upcoming hand-built R1 track racer. It is based around a carbon fiber monocoque chassis which helps keep the car’s dry weight to a mere 572 kgs (1,261 lbs). The body work is a combination of quick-release fiberglass, Kevlar and carbon fiber panels. The windows are custom made lightweight polycarbonate units.

Under the bonnet, the R1 has been fitted with a longitudinal mounted, naturally-aspirated, 4-cylinder 2.0-liter engine built by Renault Sports Technologies. The power mill generates 210 HP – 155 kW at 7,500 rpm and 220 Nm (162 lb-ft) of torque at 4,500 rpm. This enables the vehicle to have a power-to-weight ratio of 356 HP per ton.

There’s even Koni dampers for shock absorption duties, an AP Racing clutch and braking system as well as a Motec electronic engine management to boot for this hand-built Le Mans look-alike that stands 4,170mm long, 1,800mm wide and only 995mm tall. It will carry a price tag of 98,000 EUR (about RM400,000 at current exchange rates).

Other engineering highlights of the Praga R1 include a six-speed Hewland transmission, AP Racing brakes, Koni dampers, Sachs Racing clutch, Motec ECU, and an integrated OMP fire suppression system.




Press Release

Praga R1 - affordable racing dream come true

2013 Praga R1 highlights:

affordable two seater (low running costs, high reliability)
ultra light (only 590 kg, 1300 lbs dry weight)
210 HP base model (3,58 kg/kW, 356 HP per tone)
production started in November 2012

New ideas tend to come from unexpected sources. Here is one that just stands out not only in the world of racing. From an unlikely place comes unbelievably beautiful and functional racing car ready to be driven on public roads if required. Praga R1 is ultra-light compact track car that is set to rewrite motorsport books in its most basic rule - cost/performance ratio. Above all genuine design solutions stands its purpose - to provide top track performance and
unprecedented reliability for reasonable price and low running cost. Praga R1 is here to be driven hard and not to spend owner's money and time in the garage.

Might be surprising, but R1 is by far not the first racing car from Praga Cars LTD company. In past three years, small yet strenuous team have created two other cars that made huge impression within the greatest circuits in the world. Small Attack R4 and later Praga R4S managed to scoop several race victories and podium results in 2010-2012 on circuits like Assen, Zolder, Monza, Donington and SPA Francorchamps. Competing against "heavyweight" racing legends like Corvette, Ferrari, Porsche, Mosler and Viper proved right Praga’s new concept and approach. They are the same for all Praga cars - low weight, agility and functional aerodynamics rather than brute power and big engine.

R1 is third race car hand built by the same team, completely from the ground up. Previous models (both still in production) found many satisfied owners over the last years. This newest one beautifully shows creator's competence and deep understanding of design, aerodynamics and construction. Praga R1 is a masterpiece which grabs attention only by looking at its shape and proportions.

As lightweight as it can be, two seater Praga R1 is 4170 mm long, 1800 mm wide, only 995 mm tall with only 590 kilograms dry weight (1300 lbs). Yet pilots of Praga R1 get unprecedented level of passive safety and comfort. Closed cockpit provides safer and more convenient place for pilot and his passenger. Especially in wet and cold conditions. Carbon fibre monocoque reinforced by internal ribs and bulkheads, carbon fibre crumple zones for frond and side crash
energy absorption, 6-point seatbelts, integrated fire extinguisher system, polycarbonate windows and safety fuel tank make it one of the safest racing cars.

Base model uses naturally aspirated 2-litre 4-cylinder engine F4R 832 from Renault Sports Technologies with maximum 155 kW (210 PS) at 7500 rpm. This gives promising power to weight ratio of only 3,8 kg/kW (356 HP per tone). Located longitudinally almost exactly in the middle of the car together with specially prepared Hewland JFR 6-speed sequential transmission operated automatically via KMP pneumatic paddle shifting system gives the car extremely low
centre of gravity and also little polar moment of inertia. Both these are essential for great handling, dynamics and overall performance. During October 2012, first prototype was hard tested on Praga Cars home racetrack Slovakia Ring near Bratislava, Slovak Republic. Thought through balance between beautiful shape and aerodynamics efficiency gives Praga R1 significant downforce which in return means higher cornering speeds and stability.

Praga Cars wants to offer the best, that is why R1 uses only the finest components from world renowned manufacturers such as AP racing brakes, Hewland transmission, Sachs racing clutch, KMP pneumatic paddle shifting, Renault Sport Engine, Cosworth ECU, ATL fuel tank, Koni dampers, OMP fire extinguisher system and many more.

Praga R1 is here to open the door into professional motorsport for those who prefer best price/performance ratio. Modern, sophisticated with cutting edge technologies, trouble free spare parts availability and low running cost. For 2013 season already Praga Cars is preparing first R1 cars to run it´s own Praga Cup series on professional European circuits.

PRAGA R1 Technical specification

General specification
Made in EU
Produced in 2013

Characteristics
Basic description Single-seater race car (two seater optional), carbon fibre monocoque
Weight (dry) 592 Kg
Dimensions (H x L x W) 965 x 4144 x 1800 mm
Wheel base 2527 mm
Wheels and tyres front Praga, centre locking 15 x 8, with 200/580R15 Dunlop racing tyre
rear Praga, centre locking 16 x 10.5, with 265/605R16 Dunlop racing tyre

Body and Interior
Construction Light weight and compact, longitudinal mid engine layout
Crashbox Front, rear and carbon fibre honeycombed crashbox complying with FIA Production
Sports Car Crash Test
Body panels Quick-release lightweight fibreglass body panels reinforced with carbon and Kevlar
Rear wing Low-drag fine adjustable bi-plane rear wing (carbon fibre optional)
Doors Carbon fibre driver and passenger doors
Windows Custom made lightweight polycarbonate windows with anti-scratch protection
Fuel tank 60 litre foam-filled FIA approved ATL fuel tank located behind the seat (ATL dual quick
fill valve – optional)
Pedals & Steering wheel Adjustable pedals and 2-way adjustable quick release Cosworth steering wheel with
display and rotary switches
Seat Custom made Praga carbon Kevlar racing seat with side head rest
Seat belts FIA approved SCHROTH 6 point seat-belts for use with HANS
Communication system Built-in PELTOR / YAESU radio communication system (optional)
Suspensions Fully adjustable front and rear suspensions
− KONI 2-way adjustable, mono-tube, easy to adjust
− unequal length upper and lower wishbones
− CNC aluminum machined adjustable uprights
− forged steel centre lock hubs
− adjustable anti-roll bars
− custom made progressive racing coil springs
Fire extinguisher system Mechanically / Electrically-activated fire extinguisher system in engine bay (optional)
Lighting Rear lights including rain light and turn lights, (front lights optional)

Drivetrain
Engine Renault Sport Formula 2010 2.0 engine
Dampers Unique Praga compact bellhousing with dampers
Braking system AP Racing brakes with 4-piston calipers
Clutch Lightweight steel flywheel / competition twin plate ZF Sachs Racing clutch
Gearbox custom made HEWLAND JFR - six-speed sequential semi-automatic transaxle
gearbox, interchangeable gear sets
Shifting Pneumatic KMP paddleshift system with flat shifts and auto blip
Engine management ECU Cosworth / Pectel SQ6 with close loop lambda system, pit limiter speed control,
traction control and full sequential shifting

Engine
Configuration F4R 832
Cylinder / Valves 4 / 16
Location Mid, longitudinally mounted
Bore / Stroke 82.7 x 93 mm
3
Displacement 1998 cm
Engine Life 10 000 Km before rebuild
Engine Control System Cosworth / Pectel
Engine Loom Military specification wiring loom
Rev Limit 7500RPM
Power 210bhp @ 7250 RPM
Torque 220Nm @ 4500 RPM

The first images of the new Skoda Octavia RS have been leaked ahead of the car’s official unveiling. The images from Skoda's site are a tad fuzzy, but they still allow us to see what the new Octavia RS will look like on the outside.

They reveal the Skoda Ocatvia RS wearing a more aggressive front bumper with honeycomb grille inserts and LED fog lights, revised side skirts with lower-door details, gloss black mirrors, five-spoke alloy wheels, and red brake calipers.

In the regular 2013 Octavia, power will be provided by a range of petrol and diesel options, including an 89kW 1.4 litre petrol, a 131kW 1.8 litre petrol, and an 81kW 1.6 diesel. The petrol model should be quicker than the outgoing model, as it has at least a 10 hp advantage, as well as a weight advantage, so a sub-7-second 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time is to be expected.

The Skoda Octavia RS is expected to get the 2.0 litre direction injection petrol motor used by the Golf GTi which produces around 220 bhp. A 2.0 turbo diesel engine which generates power in the range of 170-180 bhp is also in the cards.

Radical has announced plans to introduce a Le Mans inspired road car which will be called the Xtreme Coupe.

The Radical Xtreme Coupé, or RXC, is powered by a Ford-built 3.7-litre V6 engine producing 380bhp at 6750rpm and 320lb ft at 4250rpm. It also boasts that both race AND road car will have around 900kg of downforce at a top speed of 175mph.

Despite measuring 4,300mm long, 1,960mm wide and just 1,127mm high, the Radical RXC has space for two in its cabin, and equipment like electric wing mirrors, air conditioning and a heated windscreen are standard.

Riding on 17 inch wheels, the road-going version will be fitted with 330mm discs up front and 310mm at the rear, with carbon-ceramic discs expected to be an option.

The automaker will unveil a race version of the RXC during the Autosport International show at Birmingham NEC on January 10 next year. The type-approved road car is anticipated to go on sale next summer at a launch price of £89,500.





Press Release


The Radical RXC blows apart what was previously thought possible in the supercar marketplace. RXC is faster, more visually aggressive, more dynamic and performance-focused than anything this sector has ever seen.

From the makers of the Nürburgring production car lap record holder and the world’s most prolific producer of race cars comes a Le Mans-inspired racer for the road alongside a race variant ready for international GT and sportscar championships. Road trips, trackdays and race weekends will never be the same again.

History of the RXC

The RXC is the culmination of three and a half years of design and development to create the world’s most extreme road-legal coupe. Influenced and inspired by contemporary LMP design, it brings a true taste of Le Mans to the road. Dramatically styled, uncompromising in performance but with class-beating running costs, the RXC opens up hyper-GT ownership to a wider audience than previously possible.

The RXC is a completely clean-sheet design for Radical with only a handful of components carried over from its present range. Everything from the chassis and suspension design to the new V6 engine and seven-speed gearbox configuration has been developed specifically for the RXC under the guidance of Radical’s MD Phil Abbott and Chief Designer Nick Walford and his development team

‘In the whole history of Radical I don’t think I’ve been more excited about a new car than I am now with the RXC,’ said Phil Abbott. Quite a statement considering he was one of the founders and is the engineering driving force behind the whole company. ‘It’s the car we’ve always wanted to make, and by applying our extensive knowledge and understanding we have produced a GT car that - just like our other products - will outperform machinery costing many times more. But more important than that it’s going to be incredibly thrilling to drive.’

Design

The RXC experience starts the moment you set eyes on its dramatic styling. Using experience from the SR9 Le Mans project – as well as extensive CAD modelling – the RXC breaks the mould in bringing current LMP styling and aerodynamics to the street. Carefully directed airflow means the RXC generates 900kg of over and underbody downforce, equalling the car’s mass at speed.

Cooling for the engine and braking systems is directed though vents in the nose and sidepods whilst a GT3-specification rear wing is adjustable to suit different circuit configurations. The cockpit is easily accessed by the gullwing doors, part of the most complex body that Radical has ever produced and incorporating both composite and carbon fibre sections. This multi-piece bodywork comes in a wide palette of colours and is designed to be easily and cost-effectively repaired or replaced.

The bodywork clothes a high-tensile, laser-cut CDS tubular steel spaceframe, developed in the same way as Radical’s FIA-approved SR series chassis. The integral rollcage ensures maximum occupant safety and vehicle stiffness, with both the nose and tail of the car boasting monocoque crash boxes. To prove the strength and very high level of safety the chassis will be submitted the same comprehensive FIA crash test that Le Mans cars are subjected to.

Powertrain

At the heart of the RXC beats a high-performance, low maintenance V6 engine. The Ford Duratec 37 Ti-VCT engine used in the RXC has been optimised by in-house engine division RPE and engine management partner AER to create a reliable, high-power yet low running cost powertrain.

The engine is a 3.7-litre 24-valve V6 unit with twin-independent variable cam timing and sequential multi-port electronic injection, controlled by a bespoke Radical/AER Life engine management system as employed successfully on the SR3 SL roadster. A fly-by-wire throttle ensures immediate power and response and the car will meet full Euro 5 emissions compliance for markets across the world. Despite their racing specification the engine and gearbox service intervals are up to 10,000km.

For territories and championships that allow it, Radical can also offer a 3.0-litre 480bhp variant of its RP-series V8 engine. In production since 2006, the RP V8 is a proven high-performance powerplant used by Radical’s SR8 RX racecar and many other racecars worldwide. This latest 3.0-litre configuration takes the Radical concept to the absolute, while still offering affordable running and rebuild costs well below any other bespoke racing engine.

Both engine options drive the rear wheels through an all-new bespoke RPE/Quaife seven-speed transverse gearbox that is low in weight and ensures the overall weight balance remains very close to that of an SR3. Featuring paddleshift and an integral Quaife Automatic Torque Biasing differential, gear ratios are quickly and easily changed from the side of the gearbox like current F1 design practice. The in-house developed paddleshift system allows full-bore, 50ms seamless upshifts and automatically blips the throttle for clutchless downshifts without the need to heel-and-toe.

The suspension and brakes

For the first time on a Radical the RXC features a bespoke Intrax Racing Suspension inboard push rod suspension system with double wishbones all round to reduce unsprung mass and further improve Radical’s class-leading ride quality and handling. Four-way adjustment is available as an option on the RXC-optimised dampers, with all cars benefitting from GT3-style camber and suspension geometry adjustment.

330mm front and 310mm rear fully-floating disc brakes with six-pot calipers take care of braking. Carbon ceramic discs and calipers are available as an option. The brakes sit inside 17” centre-lock wheels front and rear – the biggest ever fitted to a Radical production car.

Electronics

The AiM MXL2 LCD multifunction dashboard debuts on the RXC and provides a comprehensive snapshot of both engine information and performance figures. The optional datalogging system adds a comprehensive portfolio of configurable inputs, from brake pressure and temperature logging to G forces and suspension travel. AiM’s acclaimed SmartyCam system can also be added to the system to provide video with a realtime overlay of data, ideal for lap time improvement or corporate use.

Interior

Not only is the RXC Radical’s most technically advanced car but it is also its most comprehensively specified. The interior of the RXC features a multi-function fully adjustable steering wheel, EPAS power steering, electrically adjustable and heated wing mirrors, air conditioning, heated windscreen with single wiper and an adjustable pedal box. Occupants sit in bespoke Corbeau FIA-compliant trimmed bucket seats with six-point racing harnesses.

RXC Performance Figures

• Power: 380bhp @ 6750rpm
• Torque: 320lb ft @ 4250rpm
• Weight: 900kg
• PWR: 422bhp/ton
• 0-62mph: 2.8 sec
• Top speed: 175mph

RXC Specification

• Engine: Ford V6 Ti-VCT, 24-valve, 3700cc, DOHC, variable camshaft timing, sequential multi-port electronic injection
• Transmission: Bespoke 7-speed transverse Quaife gearbox with paddle shift and autoblip
• Dimensions: L 4300mm W 1960mm H 1127mm
• Chassis: High-tensile strength CDS carbon tubular steel spaceframe with FIA specification crash boxes front and rear
• Body: Aerodynamic multi-piece composites (optional carbon sections), front and rear diffusers, full-width carbon bi-plane rear wing, gullwing doors with gas rams, full lighting system with LED daytime running lights
• Downforce: 900kg at max speed
• Interior: Multi-function fully adjustable steering wheel, EPAS power steering, electrically adjustable and heated wing mirrors, air conditioning, heated front screen, single windscreen wiper, adjustable pedal box
• Seat: Bespoke FIA-compliant HANS compatible Corbeau seat with six-point harness
• Fuel tank: Road: 100-litre aluminium tank Race: FIA fuel cell
• Electronics: AIM MXL2 dash (optional data logging package)
• Suspension: Front and rear double wishbone, pushrods, bespoke inboard adjustable Intrax dampers (optional 4-way adjustable system)
• Brakes: Fully-floating disc brakes with six-pot calipers (optional carbon ceramic discs and calipers), front 330mm, rear 310mm
• Wheels: Centre-lock cast alloys (forged option), front: 17x9.5, rear: 17x11.5
• Tyres: Road: Dunlop, front 235/620R17, rear 290/645R17 Race: Dunlop SP Sport, front 215/45ZR17, rear 255/40ZR17