Friday 17th July 2015

Vuhl 05 "available in the UK very soon"

One more for the track day toy shortlist...

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It's been a little while since we've heard anything from Vuhl, the Mexican manufacturer of the 05 sports car. You'll remember the excitement around the 2013 Festival of Speed, where the car was first seen and driven up the hill. Then very little. But now Vuhl has a right-hand drive car that's IVA approved, its first contented (Mexican) customer and a car that "will very shortly be put through its paces by the key UK media." Just after Elemental launches its foray into this market, Lotus reveals the 3-Eleven and the BAC is updated...

Carbon panels take 30kg from 695kg weight

Why the delay? Officially 2014 was a "consolidation year" for Vuhl, where homologation was obtained in various countries, orders were taken and dealers appointed. Technical Director Iker Echeverria now says "we are ready to sell the car in earnest."

The price remains at £59,995, splitting cars like the Zenos and the 3-Eleven and sitting in the middle of the the track day toy cost spectrum. It's described as an "all-inclusive" price, featuring a six-speed Ford manual for the Ecoboost turbo, four-piston calipers at each corner with 310mm (front) and 280mm (rear) discs plus Sparco wheels with Michelin tyres. On the options list are carbon panels (saving 30kg over the standard GRP), carbon buckets with water-resistant trim, a quick-release wheel and a built in HD camera - get sharing those track vids!

Vuhl says the first 05 has now been delivered to an "arch Mexican enthusiast", which is the first time that word has followed "arch Mexican". More will reach Mexican customers this year, with cars for the Middle East also due in the autumn. As for the UK, details are frustratingly vague. We're told a dealer announcement is "imminent" and that that is the final step to sales commencing in the UK. Seeing an 05 in the UK this year seems unlikely; let's hope it's here in plenty of time for the 2016 track day season!

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Feels like these companies are getting it very wrong using turbo engines.

Cars of this type should be NA.

Sorry but as soon as I read Ecoboost, I switch off.