Felino CB7: Canadian supercar unleashed
It's weird and wacky, but this V8-powered prototype is allegedly production-bound and it will retail for under $US100,000 in North AmericaCanada is better known for lumberjacks, maple syrup and grizzly bears than supercars, but that could change if the Batmobile-like V8 thumper pictured alongside sees the light of day as a market-ready offering.
It’s dubbed the Felino CB7, and was conceived by Canadian racing driver Antoine Bessette as a track-attack weapon that can be legally used on public roads.
Although only a prototype at this stage, the plan is to make it available in the North American market at a price below the $US100,000 ($113,700 in our money) mark.
The company has for now released this video of the Felino CB7 turning its wheels in anger at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve (venue for the Canadian Formula One Grand Prix), along with these images of the car.
Detailed specs are not yet to hand, but what we do know is that it’s propelled by a GM-sourced, mid-front-mounted 6.2-litre V8 engine that sends 391kW and 662Nm to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual or optional sequential gearbox.
Some sources are suggesting the V8 slingshot will sprint to 100km/h in a brisk 3.5sec, which doesn’t sound too far-fetched given that it’s said to weigh just 1134kg, distributed in a 50:50 ratio over the front and rear axles.
According to reports, the Felino CB7 rides on an independent suspension with double wishbones front and rear, while stopping power is provided by steel discs as standard (carbon-ceramic stoppers are optional), clamped by six-piston calipers at the front and four-piston units at the rear.
The Felino measures a diminutive 4.2m long, 1.9m wide and 1.1m tall, and its long snout/short tail proportions endow it with a classic GT stance. There’s no doubt the carbonfibre-bodied car looks arresting, but as for whether it looks good, you be the judge.
The face reminds us a little of the Maybach Exelero, while the droopy bum is somewhat reminiscent of the offerings rolled out by British sportscar manufacturer Marcos.
The CB7 has been in development for the past four years, but an on-sale date is yet to be announced.
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