Invicta go for 200mph Record
Supercharged S1 to be prepared for blind driving record
The Invicta Car Company is to build a special supercharged version of its V8-powered S1 luxury coupe to help Britain’s fastest blind driver, 42-year old Barclays bank manager Mike Newman achieve his record-breaking goal of 200 mph.
The new Invicta, called the S1-600 and closely based on the current model, will be powered by a supercharged 5.0-litre Ford V8 engine which produces more than 600 bhp at 4,500 rpm. As well as the new engine, which hikes power by 88% compared to the S1 model, the record car will feature a six-speed manual gearbox, refined aerodynamics, specially-made Toyo tyres, full safety kit and GPS electronic driving aids.
"We are very pleased to join forces with Mike Newman’s Speed-of-Sight Project 200 to break the 200 mph barrier in a British car and highlight vision and blindness issues around the world," commented Invicta Chairman Michael Bristow. "Our target is to design, build and test the new S1-600 in good time for Mike to undertake a series of practice sessions before his record-breaking run which is scheduled for 14 October, World Sight Day 2004."
Invicta claim that from day one, the Invicta S1 was conceived and developed as two cars in one – a luxurious Grand Tourer and a no-compromise sportscar with the potential to become a class-winning GT racing car. The S1 comes with adjustable suspension and an all-ventilated-disc brakes.
"The S1 was designed to accept much more power than the current 320 bhp, and it was always envisaged that once full production of the S1 road car was underway, a second, supercharged model would be developed for customers wanting more power," continued Bristow. "Invicta has now reached that point in the company’s development and supporting the Speed-of-Sight challenge is a natural fit for us. We will learn much from testing and running the S1-600 record car and those lessons will then be incorporated into next year’s supercharged road car."
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I spent considerable time talking to Invicta Chairman Michael Bristow both at the motorshow and on the phone aftewards, of which the only thing which had put me off buying one up to now, was the poor power output of the standard car which was only 330bhp.
I made my feelings quite clear to Michael re the performance, and after closely looking under the bonnet I actually recommended the fitment of a supercharger as there is plenty of space infront of the engine for a blower and the necessary cooling it would require. I was so impressed with the Invicta, I even contemplating re-locating to work for them. It is a quailty British product and desrves to do well.
After previous conversations on here relating to the cost of repairing a damaged Invicta as it is a one piece composite body (all carbon fibre), I put these questions to Michael Bristow and he was confident that body repairs could be performed in a straight-forward manner which would not present any specific problems compared to conventional body repairs.
The Invicta is a seriously good looking car in the flesh and am seriously contemplating an Invicta to replace the Ultima. At 600hp it would be a good challenger as well.
Well done Invicta, let us see if you can give the Germans and the Italians a run for their money, England is producing some fine cars again, thanks to the likes of TVR, Noble, Marcos and Morgan etc.
And best of luck for the 200 mph record
I wish them well with the 200mph record
As for the production car, any idea how many have been sold yet? Would love to see some decent roadtests in the motoring press soon.
Top car
Steve Cunningham, also blind drove an average speed of 144mph in a Viper with a single run speed of 174mph (in the rain).www.blindvision.co.uk
With our help, Steve Cunningham will be going for the 200mph record in August driving a Ferrari Enzo. To follow Steve's progress visit www.recordbreakers.co.uk
We also have some PH's going for the 200mph blindfolded record in our F1.
Will the Invicta beat the Enzo and/or the F1?
>> Edited by gary.b on Tuesday 29th June 22:04
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