If you're not a motorsports engineering wonk you've likely never heard of Al Melling; but if you're a fan of old Lola V10s or late-model TVRs, you've most assuredly heard one of his engines at full rip. Now, the 60-year-old is creating a luxury brand empire that includes high-end motorcycles, speedboats, fashion clothing and enough accessories to choke a squad of Jersey Shore teens. Of course, we only care about this venture because Melling has vowed to build a relatively affordable ultra-supercar — the Melling Hellcat — that will reportedly sport a six-liter V10 producing 700hp, according to the UK's Autocar, and cost in the $200,000 range. The 'cat will be a front-engine, rear-drive stripper, inspired by the Chevrolet Corvette, and sport a monocoque shell of carbon fiber (natch). He's looking to build a couple-hundred per year, and has his eye on LeMans competition. Of course, these ventures hardly ever end well, but we can't help but root for the guy that gave the Tuscan its roar.
Related:
Driving the TVR Tuscan [internal]