Wednesday 25th March 2009

Melkus RS2000 Nearing Production

First pictures of new lightweight German sports car

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Not many low volume sports car manufacturers can claim a 40 year history, most will have hung up their tools years ago, but not Dresden based Melkus.

After years of racing and moderate sales success with their maiden car design the RS1000, this small German outfit has released pictures of its latest production model, the Melkus RS2000.

The new car retains several of the RS1000’s design features including the gullwing doors and curvaceous body lines, but has been designed to be as slippery as possible through the air.

The flat undertray, front lip spoiler and rear diffuser have all been designed to help increase the aerodynamic efficiency of the RS2000 whilst improving downforce. Weight has also been kept to a minimum thanks to the aluminium chassis and carbon fibre body, resulting in a claimed kerb weight of just 454kg.

No information has been released on what powertrain the new Melkus will use, but given the history of the brand it will almost certainly use a small capacity unit producing no more than 200bhp, with possible engine partners rumoured to include Volkswagen and General Motors.

Further details will be released later in the year, when engine details and prices are likely to be confirmed. Melkus plan to build just 25 units per year, so you’d be right to assume it’s not going to be cheap.

[louismchuge]

454kg??!!!

[p4cks]

^^^ Yeah that seems to be a little optimistic!

[dickieandjulie]

Thats about the weight of a Caterham Superlight isnt it?! Pretty though.

[kambites]

If it's under 600kg I'd be astounded.

[johnaachen]

Lotus Evora anyone?

[Frimley111R]

454kg? Not in a million years, an Ariel Atom is 456kg!!

Edited by Frimley111R on Wednesday 25th March 11:15

[cvegas]

Not cheap - £90,000+!

[Maseroop]

johnaachen said:

Lotus Evora anyone?

My thoughts exactly !!

[leon9191]

Frimley111R said:

454kg? Not in a million years, an Ariel Atom is 456kg!!

Edited by Frimley111R on Wednesday 25th March 11:15

The atoms made out of steel though, 456kg does seems optimistic though.

[Frimley111R]

leon9191 said:

Frimley111R said:

454kg? Not in a million years, an Ariel Atom is 456kg!!

Edited by Frimley111R on Wednesday 25th March 11:15

The atoms made out of steel though, 456kg does seems optimistic though.

True, but not very much steel!

Another website says it is aiming to be under 1000kg which seems more realistic if you consider the weight of an Exige for instance.

Edited by Frimley111R on Wednesday 25th March 11:34

[[AJ]]

Errr.. +1 for there's no way that will be 454kg. Not unless that's the weight without an engine and gearbox, then I'll believe it!

[Turbobanana]

Are they allowed to call it an "RS2000"?

[spoonoff]

454 kg kerb weight is ridiculous- they have lost all their credibility at a stroke with that one.

[MIP1983]

Looks like a europa

[1000TCR]

454 kg is exactly 1000 pounds. I think someone got something wrong there. It should be kg and 1000 of them is not that bad for a usable car either.

Edited by 1000TCR on Wednesday 25th March 12:04

[dom9]

Is it a rebodied Elise/ Exige/ Europa?

It is quite good looking but i don't see how they would get close to that weight...

750kg with all carbon panels would be tough, but maybe achievable?

[ExPat2B]

Everyone was saying that the Caparo T1 would never reach its target weight, but it did !

[Spoonman]

I got all excited when it said RS2000.

Think my priorities may be somewhat confused.

[Jimboza]

Not sure about the back end. Seems a bit too pert.
No way 454 kg.

[Belfast Boy]

I like the doors ....but I would do really!