The Elemental Rp1, is the first model from new Surrey-based sportscar maker Elemental Cars and according to the company the Rp1 is in its final stages of development, with the track-focused road car due to go on sale next year.
The Rp1 is the creation of former McLaren engineers and Ford designers which began 8 years ago. The brief was to create a lightweight and simple sportscar to rival the like of a Lotus Elise and Ariel Atom.
The Rp1, standing for Race Project 1, is based around an exposed lightweight carbon-composite and aluminium tub. All of the body panels are made from carbon fibre, although there is the possibility of customers being able to order a glass fibre body to reduce costs. Following final tweaks for production models, the Rp1 should weigh in just under 600kg – around 300kg lighter than a Lotus Elise – though putting it in direct competition with the likes of the Zenos E10S.
Powering the car is a 2.0-litre Ford EcoBoost Engine. Elemental has bolted on its open ECU map that develops 280bhp and 440Nm of torque. This enables the Rp1 to reach 0-62mph in just 3.1 seconds.
A smaller 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine will also be offered to buyers, developing between 160bhp and 180bhp. A 6-speed sequential gearbox will be paired to both engines, which will be operated via steering wheel mounted paddle. The Rp1 is also fully adjustable, with buyers able to increase the ride height, adjust the camber and alter damper rates for road or track use,
Production will begin in October with first customers likely to get their cars at the beginning of next year. Pricing is yet to be confirmed, but it is expected to sell in the region of £60,000.
