Ascari KZ1 to run at FoS

British supercar in first competitive UK appearance

By PH Staff / Friday, 6 May 2005 / Loading comments

KZ1 outside Ascari's Banbury HQ

The Ascari KZ1, the new British supercar, has been confirmed as an entrant in the unique Supercar Run at the Goodwood Festival of Speed (FoS).

Ascari reckoned that "an expert driver" is shortly to be confirmed for the car’s appearance, the first chance to see the car in competition in the UK. The Supercar Run takes place every day at the FoS, which runs from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 June.

"The Supercar Run is a world-leading event gathering together the major new supercars across the globe and pitting them against each other. It is an ideal showcase for the Ascari KZ1’s superb handling, styling and to show just what this superb car can do," said Ascari's sales head Chris Burton. "We are looking forward to what will no doubt be a hard fought – and fun – Supercar challenge for both competitors and spectators."

The Ascari KZ1 was launched in January this year at Autosport 2005 which was held in Birmingham’s NEC (see link to PistonHeads story below). Only 50 Ascari KZ1s will ever be built, with the first bespoke KZ1 model already under construction at Ascari’s European headquarters in Banbury, Oxfordshire.

The KZ1 is priced at £235,000, which many have criticised as being on the high side, has a very lightweight but strong carbon fibre monocoque chassis and body shell. Its propelled by a V8 engine delivering 500bhp, enables the KZ1 to achieve 60mph in an exhilarating 3.7 seconds, with a top speed of 200mph.

The KZ1 and its track cousin the KZ1 Academy car were born from Ascari founder Klaas Zwart’s desire to create one of the world’s greatest supercars, and his own passion for motor-racing. KZ1 prototypes have covered over 100,000 gruelling test miles to ensure reliability and longevity.

The GT version of the Ascari KZ1 Academy car crossed the line in an impressive third and fourth places in two races at the Spanish GT earlier this month – the first time the car had competed in the event.