Skip advert
Advertisement

Elemental RP-1: new British track car teased

Surrey-based start-up Elemental previews new RP-1 sports car, ahead of a debut at this month's Goodwood Festival of Speed

This is the RP-1, a new sports car from Surrey-based start-up Elemental that is set to debut later this month at the Goodwood Festival of Speed before entering production in 2015.

A lightweight two-seater that’s track-focused but road legal, the open-top racer is the brainchild of Elemental Cars technical director and founder John Begley. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

According to an online statement, it’s designed to “be easily configured by the driver for their driving style and driving environment,” featuring suspension and controls that the company claims are easy to adjust."

Maintaining the track-day emphasis are interchangeable body panels, backed up by a Ford-sourced 280bhp 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine tuned by Elemental. 

Combined with a carbon composite and aluminium tub that apparently helps keep weight down to as little 450kg, the RP-1 boasts a power-to-weight ratio of 500bhp per tonne. There’s scope for improvement too, as a cassette engine installation means further options will be available in future, as well as individual performance upgrades.

Elemental hasn’t revealed what this means in terms of performance, but expect blistering pace, which drivers will enjoy from a moulded racing seat that’s been tilted inside the carbon fibre cockpit for a race-inspired, feet-up position. This is designed to keep the centre of gravity as low as possible, improving the front diffusers downforce. 

Goodwood Festival of Speed

Practicality on the road hasn’t been completely sacrificed in the pursuit of quicker lap times though, and there are wheel-mounted controls and paddle gear shifters behind to offer improved ease of use.

On top of this, Elemental believes the RP-1 offers sufficient ground clearance and a suitably tight turning circle – as well as decent emissions and range – for use on British roads.

The only major downside at this stage appears to be for anyone shorter than five foot, or taller than 6’6”, as the adjustable seating and pedals can’t accommodate beyond this range.

Expected to rival the new Ariel Atom 3.5R and Caterham 7 620R when it arrives next year, we’ll keep you posted as price and specification details are revealed nearer to launch.

Is there room for another British track day weapon on the market? Can Elemental really unseat the established names in this increasingly crowded sector? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Goodwood Festival of Speed 2024: new cars and highlights
Goodwood Festival of Speed 2024 - MG sculpture

Goodwood Festival of Speed 2024: new cars and highlights

2024’s Goodwood Festival of Speed was a celebration of over 130 years of engine tech, but it also looked well into the future
News
17 Jul 2024
Land Rover Defender Octa ride review: up the hill in a ferocious new flagship
Land Rover Defender OCTA - front action

Land Rover Defender Octa ride review: up the hill in a ferocious new flagship

The 626bhp Octa sets a mind-boggling performance benchmark for the Defender
Road tests
15 Jul 2024
New Red Bull RB17 hypercar revealed with a 15,000rpm V10 engine
Red Bull RB17 Goodwood - front

New Red Bull RB17 hypercar revealed with a 15,000rpm V10 engine

The RB17 promises F1 levels of performance, while its naturally aspirated V10 revs to an staggering 15,000rpm
News
12 Jul 2024
New Ford Capri ride review: a first taste of the divisive electric SUV
New Ford Capri - front cornering

New Ford Capri ride review: a first taste of the divisive electric SUV

We hitch a ride in Ford's new electric coupe-SUV at the Goodwood Festival of Speed
Road tests
12 Jul 2024

Most Popular

New cars that plummet in value can make brilliant used buys
Opinion - Vauxhall Corsa-e

New cars that plummet in value can make brilliant used buys

Editor Paul Barker takes a closer look at our 2024 Used Car Awards
Opinion
20 Nov 2024
A £10k electric car with a 100-mile range would surely be a sales success
Opinion - cheap EV

A £10k electric car with a 100-mile range would surely be a sales success

Mike Rutherford thinks there would be demand for an electric car with a modest 100-mile range if it only cost £10k
Opinion
17 Nov 2024
New Jaguar logos unveiled as big concept reveal moves closer
New Jaguar logo 1

New Jaguar logos unveiled as big concept reveal moves closer

Jaguar has revealed its new logos and styling details ahead of its transition into a luxury EV brand
News
19 Nov 2024