Arash AF10 launches in Geneva with 2080bhp

Arash Motor Company has showcased a new version of its AF10 model at the Geneva motor show.

The British supercar maker originally launched the model back in 2008, but this 2016 car is essentially an all-new model.

The 12-part carbonfibre chassis has been replaced with a 13-part carbonfibre construction, and the old car’s 7.0-litre pushrod V8 engine (sourced from the Corvette Z06) has been replaced by a five-part hybrid drivetrain.

The system consists of four electric motors (manufactured for Arash by Compact Dynamics Germany) and a petrol engine. Each of the electric motors has an individual output of 295bhp and 200lb ft of torque. The petrol engine is a V8 Cruciform crankshaft unit with a compact supercharger mounted inside its V-cavity. It produces as much as 900bhp.

This gives the AF10 a huge total output of 2080bhp, which powers the four-wheel-drive model to 60mph in a claimed 2.8 seconds, with a quoted top speed of 200mph.

Each drive unit has its own gearbox; there are four two-speed units for the electric drives and a six-speeder for the petrol engine; the AF10 can be specified with either a manual or automatic transmission with paddleshift functionality.

A naturally aspirated AF10 is also set to be made available for those who don't want hybrid power, but specifications for this model are yet to be confirmed.

Exterior features include carbon-reinforced plastic with aluminium honeycomb sandwich construction, two dihedral hydro-electrically lifting doors, a fixed rear wing, an adjustable front wing and new lightweight magnesium centre-lock race wheels (20x12in rear and 19x9in front).

There’s also a new front and rear axle double wishbone suspension set-up with a hydraulic lift system, which can raise the car by 15cm for easier clearance of speed bumps.

No other technical details have been revealed, but the new AF10 is expected to cost around £1 million.

The AF10 isn’t the only model the company is bringing to Geneva. Arash will also be showing the AF8 Cassini, which is a slightly updated version of the AF8 we saw back in 2014.

The rear-wheel-drive AF8 has a tubular steel chassis with carbonfibre reinforcements and is powered by a General Motors 7.0-litre LS7 V8 engine, with a power output of 550hp. Mated to a six-speed manual transmission, it puts out 476lb ft of torque, while its 0-60mph time is a claimed 3.5 seconds. Top speed is listed as 200mph.

The interior gets some new carbonfibre touches and leather trim, with a touchscreen infotainment in the centre console. Customers can also opt for a stripped out version, which is designed specifically for track use.