Cut from the same cloth as the Caparo T1 exotic, the Formula 1-inspired Hulme supercar went its U.K. rival one better this month, debuting a pre-production model at both the Goodwood Festival of Speed and London's exclusive Salon Priv exotic car show. A prototype of the car was first unveiled in New Zealand last year.
With its brand name inspired by New Zealand's 1967 Formula 1 world champion Denny Hulme, the long-time teammate of legendary New Zealand racecar designer/driver Bruce McLaren, the Hulme supercar draws on the composite construction expertise that has made New Zealand a powerhouse in international yacht racing circles.
The car will begin production in 2008, with only 20 to 30 units produced each year. The company is initially targeting customers in the U.K. and Germany.
The show car carries the orange livery of the McLaren racecars of the '60s and early '70s in which Denny Hulme rose to prominence in Formula 1 and the Can-Am sports car series. The Hulme supercar has more in common with the Caparo T1 than its extreme styling - the Caparo's designers worked in the modern-day incarnation of McLaren Cars before leaving to develop their version of an F1 car for the street.
More pics and specs after the jump.
Engine & Transmission
Position Mid Longitudinal
Configuration BMW M5 V8
Valvetrain DOHC 4 Valves/Cyl
Displacement 4941 / 301.5 cu. In.
Power 550 HP
Torque TBA
Bore 89mm
Stroke 94mm
Comp/Ratio 11 . 1
Redline 7000
HP/Liter TBA
Gear Box Transaxle with LSD
Gear Type 6 Speed Sequential
Final Drive Ratio TBA
Body & Chassis
Drive Wheels RWD with Limited Slip Diff
Curb Weight 1175 Kg. - 2643 lbs
Length 4612 mm - 181.5 inch
Width 1958 mm - 77.08 inch
Height 1095 mm - 43.09 inch
Wheelbase 2830 mm - 111.41 inch
Front Track 1665 mm - 65.55 inch
Rear Track 1605 mm - 63.19 inch
Steering Progressive Power Assisted Steering
Chassis Tubular & Composite Construction
Body Carbon Fibre & Composite Construction
Air Bags Driver's Wheel & Passenger
Front Brakes AP Racing 6 Piston Calipers + Bosch ABS
Front Disc Size AP Racing 362 mm x 32 mm Ventilated
Rear Brakes AP Racing 6 Piston Calipers + Bosch ABS
Rear Disc Size AP Racing 362 mm x 32 mm Ventilated
Front Wheels 8.5 x 19 Inch - Centre lock
Rear Wheels 20 Inch - Centre lock
Front Tires 245/40x19 Pirelli P.Zero Rosso
Rear Tires 315/35 x 20 Pirelli P.Zero Rosso
Front Suspension Double Wishbone & Pushrod. Inboard Coil over Damper & Anti-Roll bar
Rear Suspension Double Wishbone. Coil over Damper & Anti-roll bar
autoblog
