Friday 9th January 2009

Production Zolfe at PH Show

Zolfe Orange gets Ford power instead of bike engine

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The formerly ’bike-engined Zolfe Orange concept has re-emerged in production guise at the PistonHeads Show – this time with four-cylinder Ford power and technical direction from former Caterham engineering chief Jez Coates.

Featuring a spaceframe tubular chassis topped with a moulded composite body, the Zolfe Orange has grown up a little since its original inception. The track-day inspired car has gained size and a ‘proper’ car engine following market research that suggested the Suzuki Hayabusa engine originally under consideration would limit sales. In fact, under the technical leadership of Coates, the whole concept has been re-engineered and repackaged by Stadco, the Midlands based outfit credited with setting up US production of Ford’s GT supercar.

The traditionally styled coupe now tips the scales at a little over 700kgs, and should provide plenty of entertainment on the track with its 185bhp 2.3 litre Duratec engine driving the rear wheels. At launch the car comes with a five speed Mazda gearbox driving an LSD, but further engine options and a six-speed ’box are expected to join the options list later this year.

There’s double wishbone suspension all-round, disc brakes are by AP Racing and the car runs on Avon rubber.

Despite growing-up a little from the original concept, the ‘affordable track day car’ philosophy remains. Pricing starts at £27,500 for basic trim, although luxuries like electric windows and A/C will also be available.

Most of the 30 cars slated for production this year will be destined for the US market, as the company has already signed up a distributor there. Future production plans include a roadster version.

[Ballistic Banana]

Like it, Very Retro looking on the outside, wonder how much fun to drive?

BB

[MrTappets]

Be interesting to see how this gets on with the elise, though i guess lotus must be close to replacing that now.

[vrooom]

oh boy i loved the design on this car. this look like a proper british sport car.

[tps23]

like it but not sure that fits into 'affordable' considering what else you can by for nearly £30k

can it come in cheaper kit form?

[Tinohead]

There's a good write up on this in this month's Evo.

[RJDM3]

tps23 said:

like it but not sure that fits into 'affordable' considering what else you can by for nearly £30k

can it come in cheaper kit form?

For a low volume manufacturer that is a good price.

Good luck to them.

[mechsympathy]

I'd likie to see some photos, but at first glance that looks great Hopefully the engine options will include the full fat 260+ bhp version

[Frimley111R]

MrTappets said:

Be interesting to see how this gets on with the elise, though i guess lotus must be close to replacing that now.

Well I am pretty sure the Elise whips it on all fronts. As for a replacement, well that is probably 5 years away. Lotus hasn't even mentioned it. They are too busy with the Evora and Esprit although I think they should move the Elise S3 ahead of the Esprit personally.

[asbo]

It's not the most attractive looking thing is it?

[mechsympathy]

Frimley111R said:

Well I am pretty sure the Elise whips it on all fronts.

On what basis?

[lord summerisle]

i seem to remember the 2.3 duratec being on the spec sheet at last year's Autosport's Show...

but do really like the look of the car.

[ar0u2211]

I like it;
Porsche/TVR styled front end. Lightweight with quite good emissions which will keep the greenies happy.
Strap a turbo charger on and roberts your father's brother!

[427James]

vrooom said:

oh boy i loved the design on this car. this looks just like a 90s TVR.

EFA

[427James]

Anyone else think that this sort of thing may have saved TVR if they had done it?

[waynepixel]

I like it, lightweight car 700Kg, and good power. I would love to see it on track to Judge just how good the car drives.

[mechsympathy]

427James said:

Anyone else think that this sort of thing may have saved TVR if they had done it?

I was just looking at that picture and thinking "mini-TVR"

(Or hard-top Caterham...)

[morgrp]

Looks like the bd love child of a TVR Cerbera and a mk1 Lotus elise

[Poledriver]

So when is the 5 litre V8 version available?

[lord summerisle]

mechsympathy said:

(Or hard-top Caterham...)

Caterham 21 Mk2 (Coupe)

tho i believe much of the work on the bodyshape of the Zolfe had been done before Jez joined...

[Baffled Spoon]

tps23 said:

can it come in cheaper kit form?

That would be great. Well, that and v8 engine fitment mounts. Crate chevy v8 would do me just fine.