Down under in Sydney at the Australian International Motor Show, the new Elfin Type 5 Clubman has been revealed. The latest offering from Australia's own hardcore roadster builders, the Type 5 follows on the heels of the popular MS8 models. The new car is powered by GM's 260 HP 2.0-liter turbocharged Ecotec four-banger. It's the same setup found in the Pontiac Solstice GXP and Saturn Sky Redline, but the Elfin weighs significantly less at about 1600 pounds. That may not be as light as a Secma, but it's enough to allow for 0-62 MPH jolts in just 3.7 seconds. Even better, they say it's affordable.

Whether or not the Type 5 is a bargain depends on how you look at it. In the Australian market, prices should be about that of commonplace Japanese sportscars like the Mazda RX-8. So if performance is your highest priority, the Elfin has plenty of bang for the buck. Obviously though, an RX-8 is going to be much more comfortable, as a hardcore roadster like the Type 5 is...well, hardcore. As is usually the case though, we won't have to worry about this conundrum over here in America, because it won't ever be coming here. Looks like you'll have to just build a Caterham. [via MotorAuthority]

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