Move over Bugatti Veyron: this is the new Bristol Fighter T, and it's got 'a potential maximum speed of more than 270mph'.
With 525bhp and 525lb ft, the standard V10-powered Fighter is not exactly what you’d call underpowered. But next to the new Fighter T it is: with two turbochargers bolted to the car's 8.0-litre Chrysler SRT-10-sourced engine, the T produces 1012bhp and 1036lb ft. The Veyron can only muster 987bhp and 922lb ft.
The Fighter T's is, however, unlikely ever to claim the title of world's fastest production car - Bristol has electronically reined-in the top speed to a "more than sufficient" 225mph. At that speed it is pulling only 4500rpm in top gear.
To help it reach 200mph-plus, the Fighter T has a new underbody diffuser that reduces the car's drag coefficient to 0.27. The chassis has been stiffened, the ride height lowered and the anti-roll bars and dampers stiffened.
Inside, there is a new 'lightweight' cabin, but Bristol insist this is still a practical car that can fit two people and luggage, and that can be used every day.
Other modifications include a specially strengthened six-speed gearbox to cope with all the torque. The Fighter T can reach 60mph in "less than 3.5sec", and all while still in first gear.
Prices have not been announced, but expect the Fighter T to cost around £300,000. First deliveries are expected in September 2007.
In the meantime, you can read about the current fastest cars in the world in this week's Autocar. We've driven the Porsche 911 Turbo, Aston Martin Vanquish S, Corvette Z06, Chrysler SRT-10, Ferrari 599 GTB, Lamborghini Murcielago, Ford GT, Mercedes SLR McLaren and, of course, the Bugatti Veyron to their limits. Maybe next year the Fighter T will join them.
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Re: Even faster than a Veyron...
Actually, had a good look at their web site now...and enigmatic might be the wrong word. I actually don't know what to make of it other than there is a strangely enticing rejection of most of the engineering, sales and marketing norms that just about every other car maker in the world adheres to.
Whether that means the cars are any good, I don't know!
Re: Even faster than a Veyron...
Didn't Autocar get their hands one one via an owner? Seem to remember Cropley testing it, though not in the full Autocar roadtest style. I might be wrong but I've definitely read a review of it along these lines in a UK publication.
Re: Even faster than a Veyron...
Is there a more enigmatic car maker than Bristol? I'm not sure that I've ever even seen one on the road, nor seen a road test. Like a lot of enigmatic stuff, I suspect the reality might be pretty mundane, even if it does have enough horse power to move an ocean liner.
Anyone actually driven one?