Radical set to reveal turbo-powered SR3 SL
Le Mans-style sportscar is, dare we say it, truly RadicalRadical -- best known as a purveyor of extreme road/track cars -- has released the first teaser image of its latest offering, the SR3 SL, which will be formally unveiled at the Autosport International Show on January 13 in Birmingham, UK.
The British concern says the SR3 SL will spearhead its 2011 product line-up and is billed as the company's most advanced sportscar ever.
Supposedly optimised for the growing track-day and corporate/race school market, the SR3 SL is powered by a 2.0-litre Ford-RPE (Radical Performance Engines) EcoBoost engine that kicks out 224kW.
However, the real kicker is a kerb weight of just 675kg, which -- allied with full underbody aerodynamics -- is claimed to put the Radical on a virtually untouchable performance level.
Nurburgring anoraks may remember the SR8 LM, which is still listed as the 'Ring leader with a cracking lap of 6min 48sec set in August 2009 with Michael Vergers at the wheel (watch the video here).
Getting back to the SR3 SL, it may well make do with four-cylinder turbo power in lieu of the high-revving 2.8-litre V8 used by the SR8 LM, but Radical claims the combination of variable cam timing, high-pressure direct injection and fly-by-wire throttle endows it with ample thrust and responsiveness.
Drive is relayed to the rear wheel by a six-speed sequential gearbox that's available with a Formula One-style paddleshift gearchange with auto-blipper, enabling it to deliver (in the words of the manufacturer) "the closest experience to a Le Mans car for the road".
The SR3 SL can allegedly be road registered in any EU country, but of course Australia is another story altogether.
Track demons will be able to order the car with a Race Pack that includes an engine calibration map selection facility (giving 'road', 'wet' and 'racetrack' maps), FIA-approved fuel cell, bi-plane rear wing and racing tyre options.
The SR3 SL won't be Radical's only debutant at the Autosport International show, as also on display will be the new SR8 RX, featuring RPE's new 2.7 RPX V8 engine.
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