Evo-engined sports car arrives

Light carbon chassis for quick take-off

X-Works X1 Concept

X-Works Automotive is making an Evo-engined sports car -- and it's opening its doors to the public for a preview of the concept.

The car has been developed over the last 30 months by X-Works Automotive with Xtreme Automobiles being the first dealer appointed in the UK. It uses a carbon composite technology for the passenger cell, attached to which are lightweight aluminium and carbon subframes carrying the drive train components.

The composite technology provides a stiff platform that helps keep the cars weight down to a lightweight 1,180kg. Combined with the race-honed chassis and Evo-derived 350bhp two-litre turbocharged engine, this looks set to deliver fairly impressive performance. Tuning up to 500bhp is available, Recaro CS seats are fitted as standard. There is also a 1,000 kg competition version planned for use on track days or for competition use.

Designers Andrew Borrowman and Sean Prendergast studied Automotive Design Engineering at the University of Hertfordshire, following which they have served time at Rover, Panther Cars and Grand Prix Engineering Services. They have also run their own composites company designing and manufacturing for Prodrive, Alvis and JCB, among others.

Projected retail price for the X1 is £45,000.

X Works Automotive Concept X1 Sportscar will be available for viewing in the showroom of Midlands-based Mitsubishi Motor Sports dealership Xtreme Automobiles from Friday 19 January 2007 until Sunday 21 January, opening times will be Friday / Saturday 0900-1700 and Sunday 1100-1600pm.

It looks like a stunner -- but will be produced? There's many a slip...