Resurrected bodybuilder Radford unveiled its first model – a two-seater coupe inspired by the venerable Lotus Type 62 racing, featuring a mid-engine layout with ‘race-inspired’ foundations.
The car, dubbed Type 62-2, was developed by the American team Radford, who relaunched the name of a prolific British body brand founded in 1948, the same year as Lotus, which supported the project. Radford is run by former Formula 1 world champion Jenson Button, designer Mark Stubbs and broadcaster Ant Anstead.
It will stay true to the original 1960s model, low to 1,133mm high, with wide wheel arches and side air intakes. Duck tail rear spoilers can be selected on some models, and the interior has been described by the company as “clean”.
Two specs, “Classic” and “Gold Leaf,” will be available at launch, and both models are powered by a Toyota-derived 3.5-liter supercharged V6, shared with Lotus’s new Emira sports car, with a choice a six-speed, seven-speed manual or dual-clutch transmission.
The base Classic Type 62-2 produces 430 hp, with a claimed power-to-weight ratio of around 1: 1, while Gold Leaf models gain improved pistons, con-rons, camshafts and electronic mapping. , bringing the power to around 500 hp. Detailed performance figures for the models have yet to be revealed.
The Gold Leaf version also benefits from design cues inspired by the racing car’s livery and rear fenders, which on the original Type 62 were added by Lotus for additional downforce after testing. on track. It also has the option of a limited slip differential when dual clutch transmission is selected, as well as advanced ABS and traction control.
Classic models come with 17-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels, which are upgraded to 18-inch front and 19-inch rear wheels on Gold Leaf cars. All Type 62-2 models are built with an aluminum frame, coil spring suspension with four-way adjustable shocks and optional hydraulic nose lift.
Radford co-founder Jenson Button said: “Creating a car that is luxurious yet comfortable, and fun to drive, is a tough challenge, but the first Radford of the modern era is up to the task. The Type 62-2 is a driver’s car at its heart. When you see the design, it looks like a Le Mans car from the 70s.
“When you sit behind the wheel and look through the curved windshield, you can see the front wheel arches – something you just don’t have on road cars today. With such a low center of gravity, the body of the car does not roll. The chassis has all the characteristics of a race car beautifully configured for the road – giving the driver the supreme confidence to get maximum pleasure from every ride, ”he said.
Radford claims the Type 62-2 can be used on a daily basis. It is also equipped with modern technology, with rear-facing camera technology replacing traditional exterior mirrors.
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Source: www.autocar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-08-08 03:01:25
