Home-grown supercar for Melbourne

A Melbourne-built supercar with a top speed of more than 320km/h will bare its fangs as a star attraction at the 2006 Melbourne International Motor Show.

The Redback Spyder is the living, breathing reality of a styling study first shown at the Melbourne show four years ago. With a custom Chevrolet V8 developing more than 300kW, the sub-1000kg Redback can sprint from 0-100km/h in less than 4.0sec claims its manufacturer.

The Spyder is the brainchild of former motorcycle racing champion Nick Tomkinson, who created it as a showcase of specialist Aussie automotive capabilities.

“The idea was to show what the local industry can do -– a bit like the Axcess Australia concept cars, but focussing on the specialist areas,” he said.

“My company Carbontech made the tubular spaceframe chassis and carbon-fibre panels at our Essendon Airport workshops, and most of the supporters are within 20 minutes drive.”

Nick Tomkinson does not plan to sell Redback Spyders, but that might change to meet strong American interest including an inquiry from Tonight Show host, Jay Leno. An American-based sister car is currently undergoing final fit and finish in the USA after manufacture in Australia.

Although Nick Tomkinson has made his Redback Spyder road-legal (it's even air-conditioned), he leaves no doubt that its real appeal is its performance.

“All the people who helped create this car -- from the engine and paintwork to the printing and team uniforms -– have been motivated by the idea of a building car unlike any other,” he said. “The one word to describe it is ‘brutal’ -- it just gives you such a buzz to drive it.”

Melbourne International Motor Show opens Thursday, February 9. For more information visit motorshow.com.au