Rocketeer announces two new MX-5 projects
850kg Lightweight and NC Mk3 both on the way this year, with V6 power retained
Following 30 turnkey deliveries, 150 self-build kits sold and fresh investment, Rocketeer has announced two new cars will come this year to be offered alongside its existing MXV6 offering. Which seems like rather good news when the sun is shining.
Coming soon is something called a Keiryo, or Japanese for ‘lightweight’, which has been commissioned by a Rocketeer client and will be its most extreme build yet. The targets are 850kg and 375hp, with power still coming from the Jaguar 3.0-litre V6. Quite how that weight and power will be achieved Rocketeer hasn’t divulged just yet, beyond the tantalising promise of 9,000rpm, but the Keiry? won’t be unique; those who want one - surely plenty will - can order a build right now.
Rocketeer is also expanding into Mk3, NC-era MX-5s, having previously only offered its Turnkey and RestoBuild conversions for the Mk1 (NA) and Mk2 (NB) models. Already said to be in the ‘late stages of engineering and development’, we’re told to expect 300hp from a car coming in the summer. Rocketeer expects to be busy with Mk3s, given their popularity and affordability. Rebuilding a pristine Mk1 that’s worth £10k (or maybe more), after all, feels like a different prospect to a decent Mk3 that’s half that.
Exciting times ahead, then, expanding the product portfolio of a great British brand. Rocketeer says its new investors are ‘automotive enthusiasts and owners of several supercars and classic cars who, like Rocketeer, recognise the appeal of an old school analogue sports car but that uses the latest technology and materials in today’s niche automotive marketplace.’ Not only does the cash injection mean the Mk3 and Keiryo can get across the line, it means Rocketeer cars can be delivered to the USA. That surely has the potential to be a huge market, with build partners already set up in Australia, Germany and the Netherlands.
It will continue doing what it does best, though, fitting out MX-5s with the AJ30 V6. Buyers will be able to choose from a Turnkey car (where just the engine is installed) or the RestoBuild option, where everything is overhauled in a co-collaboration process and the completed car joins a Rocketeer register of vehicles. These will still exist alongside the self-build kits, to cater for all budgets and skillsets. Just don’t be surprised if you’re waiting a little longer for any of them now, with the Mk3 and Lightweight waiting in the wings…
A mk3 with the V6, some bigger brakes and a properly setup chassis would be a tremendous weekend / track car.
I wonder if the mysterious investor was Neil Clifford of the Chris Harris podcast. He recently bought a Rocketeer and fits the description.
However I’m now in a position where I’m going to swap a Morgan 3 (having had it for five years) for something else and I’m not sure that in today’s climate with roads and speed cameras etc that there can be much more fun things than a Rocketeer.
It probably helps that I don’t like big cars.
Good luck to them. I hope that it goes well and I will be following with interest.
A Caterham might be more visceral but so much less useful.. An Elise is probably ‘better’ but I already have one of those.
One of these Rocketeers or an R8?
An R8 would be more of an event but probably less fun?
Great to have choices
How’s that for cross shopping?
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