There's a new Sagaris-inspired racing car in the works -- and you could buy one. What's more, it could be the future of TVR racing, replacing the robust but ageing TVR Tuscan. TVR itself withdrew from supporting racing in 2005.
As a one-off test for the concept, GTF Motorsport has taken a TVR Tuscan racer and updated it by draping the chassis and drivetrain in a Sagaris-alike GRP body, adding downforce from the rear wing/front splitter and extra grip from Dunlop Racing slicks. It's topped with a strong bespoke roll cage from Roll Centre -- itself an experienced TVR racing organisation.
GTF also plans to launch a second car, the GTF 600R, later this year that'll be an evolution of the car shown here. And that'll be the car you can buy.
The drivetrain, engine, gearbox, differential have been modified specifically for the GTF 600R by ProMaster to ensure maximum power and reliability, with a secure and cost effective supply line for the future. Upfront there will be a modified Chevrolet LS2 6-litre V8 producing in excess of 500bhp with torque curves to match. With an all up race weight of 900Kg, performance will surpass even that of the mighty Tuscan Challenge racer.
It'll sport a dry sump system with engine power transmitted through a low-inertia, twin plate clutch, the standard Chevy flywheel being discarded for a much smaller, lighter component. This allows the LS2 to spin more quickly and its smaller diameter has allowed the engine to sit much lower in the car than would otherwise be possible, improving cornering speeds with a lower centre of gravity.
The 600R will be fitted with a six-speed sequential gearbox, designed for competition use and capable of transmitting 600Nm of torque. A prototype has already been fitted to one racing car and has endured a full season of racing with zero failures. A second generation ‘box has been designed and is now production ready. This features its own internal oil pump, which allows oil to be circulated around a cooling system to keep oil temperature at an acceptable level -- particularly useful for some of the endurance races for which the car has been designed to run.
Finally, a bespoke differential has been designed for the car, using the Ford nine-inch crown wheel and pinion, which are readily available allowing almost any ratio to be chosen. The casing has an internally driven oil pump; again for endurance racing and a viscous type of limited slip unit has been developed for the differential by Ricardo Transmissions. Tests with this unit has proved very successful, giving the car excellent turn in at high speed and allowing early application of power without the front end of the car pushing on.
The current Sagaris by GTF Motorsport and the first GTF 600R will be continuing their development on the circuit in 2007. The cars can be seen racing in the “BRSCC Dunlop Tuscan Challenge” plus selected endurance races this season. So check out the calendar for an event near you and go along and see them in action. They look and sound superb -- and really shift.
Prices can’t be finalised until the car is fully developed and production-ready, said GTF, which described the potential price range as "very attractive indeed. If you drive a Porsche or a Sagaris, you can probably afford one."