RoadRazer cuts like a blade
Ariel Atom? That's old news... a new upstart is set to shake up the ultra-light tearaway pecking orderThis is perhaps the solution for those who think a superbike is too intimidating, yet a conventional car too sedate.
Say hello to the insane looking RoadRazer, the latest in a growing number of minimalist sports cars that embrace Lotus guru Colin Chapman's mantra of shedding all unnecessary weight.
The RoadRazer certainly does that, tipping the scales at a piffling 300kg, which makes the Lotus Elise's 700kg-plus girth seem distinctly portly.
Better still, the RoadRazer's motive power comes from a screaming Suzuki Hayabusa motorcycle engine -- mounted directly behind the passenger cell -- that pumps out a dizzying 132kW from just 1.3 litres.
Mated to the high-revving Hayabusa engine is a six-speed sequential gearbox that's activated by F1-style steering wheel mounted paddles.
The result is hardly surprising as the RoadRazer's makers claim it can accelerate from zilch to 100km/h in a Porsche 911 Turbo-beating 3.0 seconds, while top speed is said to be 240km/h.
The RoadRazer's bright orange bodywork is constructed using replaceable carbonfibre parts, and under this resides an aluminum honeycomb monocoque.
Interestingly, the driver and passenger don't sit side by side, as in a conventional car, but line astern, as in a jet fighter. Perhaps this is a good thing as the driver has no way of seeing the terrified look on his passenger's face.
UK-based RoadRazer builder Mikkel Steen Pedersen says the car will be finished and on sale in Blighty by the end of this year, with prices starting at around £35,000 (about $88,575) for a fully road legal car.
For those who like a bit of DIY action, the car will also be available in kit form for around £20,000 ($50,620).
The RoadRazer won't be sold here, but you could always import one directly and carve up Ferraris and Porsches at track days.
RoadRazer fast facts:
Engine: 1.3-litre Suzuki Hayabusa
Power: 132kW
0-100km/h in 3 sec (claimed)
Top speed: 240km/h (claimed)
Construction: Aluminium honeycomb monocoque with carbonfibre replaceable body parts
Kerb weight: 300kg
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