Jalopnik: Veritas

2009 Veritas RS III has 600HP, No Traction Control

Wes Siler — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 15:40:00 EDT

The antithesis of current performance car thinking, the 2009 Veritas RS III eschews electronic driving aids for lightweight and high power. Its creators, Vermot AG wanted to give it "true race feeling." Hence the name, which means 'truth' in Latin. A production run of 50 models is now commencing, with a coupe and a GT model following next year. More info and a video of the Veritas on the Nurburgring follow the jump.

Power comes from via a choice of BMW engines. The more powerful of the two is a modified 5.0-liter V10 from the M5 and M6. Here it makes 600HP and is equipped with a sequential transmission. So equipped, the RS III can do 0-62mph in 3.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 215mph. The more sensible engine is a 480HP 5.0-liter V8, only capable of reaching 62mph in a positively sluggish 3.6 seconds before crawling to an achingly slow 204mph.

Both models use a tubular steel chassis fitted with carbon/Kevlar bodywork, Ohlins suspension on all four corners, race-spec six-piston calipers in the front (four in the back) and a choice of differentials and gear ratios.

Vermot will campaign the Veritas RS III in 24-hour endurance races, including the Nurburgring and Le Mans, starting next year before rolling out a Lamborghini-engined racer in 2011. The company claim to have found inspiration in the BMW 328 Veritas post-war racecar, which is most evident to us in the toothed grille and hood-mounted air intake. [Vermot via World Car Fans]

Mystery Solved! Veritas RS3 Going Into Production

Mark Arnold — Thu, 22 May 2008 15:00:00 EDT

When we first saw the Veritas RS3 testing on the Nürburgring, we assumed it was just a one-off of some sort. But then it popped up again in a video from BridgeToGantry, and we started wondering if there was more to the story. Surely it couldn't be, not in today's crazy world, that a sleek monoposto would actually be built as something that mere mortals can buy. Despite our doubts, we now hear that Veritas is indeed planning on producing the RS3 single-seat roadster, complete with a 5.0-liter V10 from the BMW M5.

For good measure, that M-Power V10 has been massaged, now making 600 HP in the Veritas. That's a lot of power for any vehicle, but in a car that weighs a mere 2360 pounds, it's downright insane. The launch from 0-62 MPH should take just 3.2 seconds. If you keep on it, you'll hit a top speed of 216 MPH! Even if you were capable of carrying a passenger, they'd likely pass out from the g-forces. With just seven people in the company, Veritas' RS3 will be limited to just 50 units per year, when production starts at the end of 2008. And if a roofless single-seater simply isn't practical enough for you, the company hopes to make closed-top versions as well.
[via CarScoop]

Up Close Footage Of The Mystery Veritas

Mark Arnold — Wed, 07 May 2008 10:40:00 EDT

Remember the silver mystery roadster spotted at the Nürburgring? Well, the Nürburgring-obsessed guys at BridgeToGantry captured some upclose and personal footage of the slick little monoposto. While it's now clear that this is indeed a Veritas of some sort, we're still not sure exactly what the specs are or why it randomly appeared at the 'ring. Make the jump to check out the video.

Veritas testing at the Nurburgring from MrBTG on Vimeo.

Mystery Nürburgring Roadster Identified?

Mark Arnold — Mon, 05 May 2008 15:00:00 EDT

There's a lot of buzz nowadays about secret prototypes testing their on-track capabilities on Germany's famed Nürburgring. But while most cars are easily identifiable despite their heavy camouflage, this silver roadster is just sitting around undisguised, and we still aren't exactly sure what it is. This clear shot was captured just today by a fellow Jalop, Mike. It's the freshest clue yet to the mystery that was started not too long ago by these shots. Since then, there have been some claiming to have closed the case, but the surfacing of this new photograph is cause for a re-investigation.

While there's no eyewitness testimony, all the physical evidence points to one suspect: the Veritas RS3. A concept vehicle from 2001, the RS3 was Veritas' attempt to re-gain some of their early post-war BMW racing glory. Its 670 HP 6.0-liter BMW V12 was huge power for a car that weighed about 2100 pounds total. But don't get too caught up in those specs, because we're not too sure that's the exact same car as this mystery roadster. Yes, most of the basic visual elements of the car appear to be identical, but look at the differences. The headlights and the perforated hood are especially distinct, but who knows what other changes may lurk under the skin. So what is this thing? And what is it doing at the 'ring? Is it a one-off for a rich customer or a prototype readying for mass production? Well, keep your eyes peeled on the live web cam at the 'ring, and maybe we'll find some more clues. [Nurburgring.org.uk, MotorAuthority]
Hat Tip to Mike!