Radical launches 'radical' new SR8
Featherweight track day car with 325 bhp
Known for its extreme track day cars, Radical has pushed the boundaries even further with the new SR8, powered by the all-new RPA 2.6 litre V8 motor manufactured in-house by Radical’s engine company Powertec Engineering. The new car ran on the dyno for the first time last week and turned in an impressive performance. The RPA – Radical Powertec Series A -- generated 325 bhp at 9,000 rpm, with 190 ft/lb of torque at 7,000 rpm. Powertec boss Ted Hurrell said he was very confident that his target of 350 bhp at 10,000 rpm will be easily surpassed.
The SR8, which weighs under 600Kg, is based on the hugely successful SR3 Turbo spaceframe chassis and suspension, but with an all new aerodynamic package.
A new integral front undertray venturi, crashbox and side vents give increased downforce at the front of the car, while a revised airbox layout at the rear gives improved air flow to the new, high downforce bi-plane rear wing.
A new six-speed sequential transaxle has been jointly developed by Powertec Engineering and Quaife. The transverse gearbox incorporates a reverse gear and the Quaife, torque-biased limited-slip differential.
Many of the car’s new features such as 280mm floating discs, 8.5-inch wide front and 10.5-inch wide rear BBS wheels fitted with specially developed Dunlop tyres, have been proven on the SR3 Turbo.
Radical is also announcing a six round, 12 race series for SR8 cars, to be called the Powertec Cup. Each round will comprise two 50-minute races for two driver teams. Four rounds will be held overseas, provisionally at Spa, Nürburgring, Dijon and Anderstorp, with two in the UK at Silverstone GP and the Radical Cadwell Park festival.
History
In 1997 the 1100cc Clubsport was launched, two years later the 1300cc Prosport, then the 1500cc SR3 and the SR3 Turbo, and finally this year the SR4.
Contact Radical here for more.
Download an MP3 of the engine starting here.
I wonder if they'll get it to pass SVA? You can hear some sound samples on the Radical website too. I saw the engine half way through one of it's dry builds in the workshop - looks very neat & compact.
Silverstone Inter or GP though would be an excellent place to prove the straight line speed of the new car.....
either way, the new engine looks great.
dannylt said:
Err, 325/0.6 = 540 bhp/ton. But include driver of 75kg, and with the final estimate of 350bhp minimum, that's just under 520. I guess (obviously) the main difference over the SR3 is more top end acceleration and more midrange torque. I want one, but it would be even more ridiculous for track days
Clearly you need a handily located (& lardy) passenger to keep you on the straight and narrow Danny.
dannylt said:
I wonder if they'll get it to pass SVA?
Only problem I can see is emmisions, oh and noise. Otherwise, if its got pretty much the same body and interior as the SR3 it could pass. Having said that, unless you could stuff the exhaust full of wire wool and drastically remap the ECU for the SVA it might be a bit of a tall order!
chris71 said:
dannylt said:
I wonder if they'll get it to pass SVA?
Only problem I can see is emmisions, oh and noise. Otherwise, if its got pretty much the same body and interior as the SR3 it could pass. Having said that, unless you could stuff the exhaust full of wire wool and drastically remap the ECU for the SVA it might be a bit of a tall order!
Emissions should be easy - I'm pretty sure it's got standard GSXR1300 heads & cams so with a temporary catted exhaust should be fine. They managed to get my 1500 to pass! I think it's more of a question of if they can be bothered.
>> Edited by dannylt on Tuesday 5th October 12:51
I have visited for an few months ago the factoryspage
from Powertec.
The Engine is an-Hayabusa or better 2 Hayabusa engine.
It based on the Hayabusa Construction.
And hes ready!
An twin turbocharger bring this engine to brutal
1200 HP and more,and hes compact and very lightweight.
(In Sweden drives an modified Busa with 550 Hp turbo,
from the "Ghostrider" Movie).
PetrolTed said:
Engine sounds here:
<a href="http://www.pistonheads.com/downloads/SR8.mp3">www.pistonheads.com/downloads/SR8.mp3</a>
Longer, longer, longer . . . this intro was nice.
Must be pretty light 'inside'. Because it falls back in revs pretty quick.
A new hot lump for lightweightcars. Caterham anyone?
Hardtop this nice Radical (the blue looks pretty awesome) and give her some bigger wheels: Elise beater on her way!
Next: Stiggie on the track at Topgears & tracklap record on the N-Ring.
>> Edited by dinkel on Tuesday 5th October 21:09
PetrolTed said:
Engine sounds here:
www.pistonheads.com/downloads/SR8.mp3
that sounds amazing any chance of a longer clip ted?
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