New road-focused Radical Rapture hits Goodwood hillclimb

Styling-wise, the Rapture marks a subtle evolution of Radical’s Le Mans prototype-inspired design language, standing out from the company’s RXC Spyder racer with a reworked nose-cone, diffuser set-up and rear wing design. 

An LCD display sits behind the Rapture’s multi-function steering wheel, and live telemetry updates and race logging functions are available. 

Electric mirrors and a heater are standard; optional extras include a stone chip protection kit, bespoke cover, GPS-equipped camera system, trimmed interior panels and a European travel pack. A remote engine immobiliser and fire extinguisher system are fitted for safety in the event of a crash. 

A track-only Performance package adds a brake pressure logging system, rear towing eye, adjustable brake bias dial, front dive planes and an F1-style powertrain calibration switch on the steering wheel. Radical can supply sets of slick and wet racing tyres, as well as a set of optional forged alloy wheels. 

The company does not anticipate that the Rapture will feature in its European motorsport series, given its heightened road bias compared to other models, but says it is looking at adapting the Rapture to meet demand for a Radical endurance racer. Buyers of the new model can opt for a track tuition session upon delivery, which Radical says will help drivers to “get the most” from the car. 

Company director Andreas Zielke said the Rapture is "much less involved" than traditional track day machines. Because it can be driven both to and from the track, he said, buyers do not have to purchase a trailer or keep separate sets of road and track tyres. 

He is also keen for the Rapture to be used as intended. "It will have scratches, you will hit the kerb," he said, "it's not meant to be a sculpture". 

The model is available in right and left-hand drive, but will initially only be available in European markets, as it is being built to meet UK road vehicle safety standards. Radical is currently investigating the feasibility of adapting the Rapture for US and Asian markets. 

With the reveal of the Rapture, Radical’s current product offering stands at six models, ranging from the entry-level 182bhp SR1 track car to the road-legal RXC GT, which generates 650bhp from a 3.5-litre Ecoboost engine. 

Order books for the Rapture are open now, with prices starting at £89,500 and first deliveries expected in early August. The company says a number of orders have already been taken in France and Germany.

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