British manufacturer Keating Supercars has unveiled a prototype version of its new model, the Keating 'The Bolt'.
The Keating, which is a similar size to a McLaren P1, is powered by a 7.0-litre LS7 V8. The engine, sourced from General Motors, transmits its power to the rear wheels via a six-speed transaxle.
Standard output for that particular engine would be in the region of 505bhp and 470lb ft; Keating says its version produces around 640bhp. With a quoted kerb weight of 990kg (although Keating's engineers state a more realistic 1200kg), an 800bhp version of The Bolt is claimed to accelerate from 0-60mph in 2.0sec.
Other notable performance-orientated features include coilover suspension and large ventilated disc brakes all round. The Bolt is also claimed to use 'space-age' lightweight materials, with production versions reputedly featuring carbon/Kevlar panels and an aluminium space frame, while a flat undertray should help reduce drag.
The company, which is run by Dr Anthony Keating, has produced three previous models - the SKR, the TKR and the ZKR. The total number of Keatings built, since the first model was launched in 2006, is claimed to be in the region of 15 cars.
"There are some XJ220 influences in the car," said Keating. "We went to see the Jaguar when it was launched. That's where my passion for all things automotive came from."
Despite being a low-volume sports car the Keating features creature comforts like power steering and air-con, and safety systems like ABS can be specified if desired.
The cars, which are hand built in a small workshop by a team of approximately three staff, are specified by customers from the ground up. Keating offers a twin-turbocharged version, outputting 1000bhp-2500bhp, and a 750bhp supercharged model is also on offer. Customers can, if so inclined, choose their own engine.
"We've also been working on another engine which uses a clutched supercharger system," said Keating.
Prices for the Keating aren't specific, due to the customisable nature of the car. A price of £750,000 is quoted for the 800bhp version, however. Keating hopes that larger sales volumes and refined production could bring the price of an entry level car down to £150,000, some £10,000 more than a Porsche 911 Turbo S.
In October Keating hopes to set a world record for a production car by taking a heavily tuned version of The Bolt to speeds in excess of 340mph. The brochure boldly states that the twin-turbocharged record attempt car will exceed '0.5 mach (340mph)', although Mach 0.5 at sea level is over 380mph.
Previously the company's TKR, which used a 1750bhp twin-turbocharged engine from Nelson Racing Engines, is reputed to have hit 260.1mph at El Mirage in the United States.
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WOWOW
I feel safer in an Alfa 4C thank you.And I will still have money left for a Ferrari.
autocar?
Why on earth do you bother with these ridiculous stories? This has about as much credibility as a drawing I made when I was about 8 for a "Robber's Future Getaway Car".
For what it's worth, I work in IT now - not car design...
I'm also considering to give the source of the story the benefit of doubt in that they REALLY meant 340kph and some muppet wrote own mph. 340kph is still a mighty ambitious target for a slightly posh kit-car.
Saying that 340mph of course just needs a tankful of unicorn piss... Give Peter Jackson a shout and he may just include such a special filling station in his next movie. Problem solved.
re. mach 0.5
Perhaps they intend on testing it on a really cold day. The logistics of achieving 340 mph at ~ -48C might prove problematic though.
The only way this thing is going to go that fast is if they stick it on top of a Delta rocket. Re-entry should be interesting, with the added bonus that impact with the earth, assuming it doesn't completely melt on the way down, will improve its looks no end.