Grinnall - more Scorpions!
Scorpion IV on the up after move to new premises
The Worcestershire-based firm first revealed the unique open-wheeler all the way back in 2000 after successfully transplanting the styling of its radical three-wheel Scorpion III. But lack of space in the farm-building factory and demand for the firm's BMW motorbike based trikes meant that production of this promising Caterham rival with its 1.8-litre turbo Audi engine never took off.
Scorpion III aiming for Euro approval
"We expect to ramp up production [of the Scorpian IV] to 20 a year, and we could make more than that," Mark Grinnall told us. The company moves to the one hectare site, also in Worcestershire, later this year with production starting in spring.
He's also expecting greater demand for the Scorpion III under plans to obtain European type approval for the car, which would massively increase its market reach.
The Scorpion IV costs £29,995 right now with 225hp from the mid-mounted Audi engine, although that can be increased to 300hp (as you'll find in the 2006 car advertised on PH). Boring out the reconditioned engines to two litres can take power to 500hp, which in a 680kg car should rattle the eyeballs nicely.
The potential for further bespoke tuning has been proven by Saab parts supplier Neo, which has a Scorpion running a 1.8-litre turbo Saab engine it says makes 420hp. Mark also tells us he has revised the geometry on the front suspension that should answer criticisms from some quarters that its handling didn't quite match the power levels.
It seems that the 4 wheeler could be very good, very fast. Person I see the 4 wheeler as a KMT X-Bow rival more than a Seven. Funny they both use Audi engines and the Grinnall predates the X-Bow. I wonder if KTM had seen one. As a Seven rival it lack usability. No hood for weather protection offered, which every seven could be fitted with and no boot space. The hood is not a big problem as most seven's today lack a windscreen, but it is an option I would like to have. The boot or lack off is much harder to look pasted, it stops you use the car to goto the shops.
That was excellent!Anyway, best of luck to them, that engine sounds like a fantastic choice. Hope them being reconditioned ones rather than new doesn't put people off.
Always wanted one but before the 4 wheeled version came out I drove a 3 wheeler for an hour. Couldn't wait to give it back. On UK roads the thing was so hard it shook me and the passenger to bits. Great on a track no doubt or indeed French glass smooth roads but terrible over here. Pity because I think the owner of the company is a great guy and the workmanship is excellent. Plus it's British!
Maybe they can offer softer springs and indeed they maybe better now. Still love the idea but then again I wanted a Calver too.....
This is as close as I got to a Grinnall:
does that mean too much demand, or lack of demand? could be taken either way.
i like the grinall iv, but think i still prefer the LCC rocket
it also appears to be quite similar to the brooke 260 double R, don't know if these are related in any way...?
does that mean too much demand, or lack of demand? could be taken either way.
i like the grinall iv, but think i still prefer the LCC rocket
it also appears to be quite similar to the brooke 260 double R, don't know if these are related in any way...?
As to the two of them looking similar it's just they were both inspired by 1950's F1 cars.
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