Jalopnik: trackday toys

Elfin Type 5 Clubman Goes From Zero To Sydney In 3.7 Seconds

Mark Arnold — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 10:20:00 EDT

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]

Secma F16 Roadster Provides Cheap Thrills

Mark Arnold — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 18:00:00 EDT

The tiny Secma F16 Roadster may not be angry or aggressive like a KTM X-Bow or a Caterham, but that doesn't mean you won't be able to have some good, clean fun in it. The 1.6-liter Renault four-banger powering the French track car produces just 105 HP, but it's mounted in the back for 40/60 front/rear weight distribution and Porsche-like handling. What's more, the whole car weighs just 1200 pounds, meaning the sprint from 0-62 MPH takes 5.9 seconds. Of course, the top speed is only 112 MPH, but you won't care, with a price equivalent to just over $23,000. Think of the Secma as part Meyers Manx, part Ariel Atom, but completely French.

Want comfort? Bring a pillow. The Secma F16's seat, steering wheel, and pedals are all fixed in place. Floormats have been apparently deemed pointless, and there's no compartment for your gloves. But none of that matters to us, because we can't get it over here in the US, no matter how much we want it. [via MotorAuthority]

Jetstream SC250 Guaranteed To Drive Better Than It Looks

Mark Arnold — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 12:30:00 EDT

The Jetstream SC250 may look like a bad Chinese knock-off of a KTM X-Bow, but it actually sounds quite promising. Weighing in at just 1540 pounds, the little Brit gets plenty of grunt thanks to a 2.0-liter turbocharged General Motors four-banger channeled through a six-speed gearbox. The 250 HP and 236 lb-ft push the car from 0-60 in under four seconds, through the quarter-mile traps in just 11.8 seconds, and on to a top speed of about 165 MPH. But straight-line speed alone won't be enough to escape from the ugly.

To make the SC250 handle, Jetstream has hired a company called Intrax as its suspension supplier. Intrax is run by a guy that used to work on the suspension for Michael Schumacher's Benetton F1 race cars, so we're going to assume that's a good thing. With a price of about $55,000 (£29,495), the SC250 needs all the pedigree it can get. But if you're still not convinced, you might want to wait for the 300 HP version coming next year — or you could just buy an Ariel Atom and have something that's actually good-looking. [via WorldCarFans]

Street Legal Cheetah Replicas To Hunt Cobras

Mark Arnold — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 10:00:00 EDT

There's no question that Cobras are cool, even in fiberglass kit form. But you've got to admit that the fiberglass snakes are becoming somewhat common now with all the companies ~~being sued by Carroll Shelby~~ making their own versions of the V8 roadster. So for those seeking an alternative, Ruth Engineering & Racing will be producing kits for streetable Cheetah replicas. The coupes can be fitted with any Chevy powertrain of your choice; this particular one with a 383 stroker. Suspension bits come from a donor C4 Corvette, but the leaf springs have been replaced by independent coil-overs. That means the new Cheetah should be able to tear up a road course, making this not just a cool cruiser, but a tactical trackday toy too. We'll take ours with an LS9. [RER - AmericanCheetahRacing.com]