Radical RXC Features New Chassis, Suspension and Engine

RadicalRadicalUnited Kingdom, 1997 > present7 models
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has debuted the RXC, its first ever coupe racecar, and it is quite something. Radical says that the car was three years in the making and features a brand new chassis, suspension and engine. The RXC is technically road legal, but that is not really what the car is for. This is a track car that you can just happen to drive to the track. 

‘In the whole history of Radical I don’t think I’ve been more excited about a new car than I am now with the RXC. It’s the car we’ve always wanted to make, and by applying our extensive knowledge and understanding we have produced a GT car that - just like our other products - will outperform machinery costing many times more. But more important than that it’s going to be incredibly thrilling to drive," said Managing Director Phil Abbott.

Radical says that the look of the car is inspired LMP coupes but with gullwing doors. The body is made from a mix of composite and carbon fiber, which is wrapped over a tubular steel space frame that includes the roll cage. The car looks a tad awkward with a bubble top and air intakes on either side of the doors to feed the engine. The car has a total weight of 900kg (1984lbs).

The RXC has a new chassis and suspension compared to Radical's other vehicles. The inspiration for which came from the SR9 LMP2Radical SR9 AERUnited Kingdom, 2006 > present1 photo
car. It has an inboard, pushrod suspension system with double wishbones at all four corners and optional adjustable dampers. The brakes use six-pot calipers acting on carbon ceramic brakes at the front and rear. Its body produces 900kg (1984lbs). The nose vents are for brake cooling, and the side vents are for engine cooling. The rear wing applies to GT3 specifications. 

The car uses a mid-mounted, modified FordFordUnited States of America, 1903 > present92 models
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3.7-liter Duratec V6 with 380hp and 320lb-ft of torque and a seven-speed sequential transmission. Power goes to the rear wheels with a modified Quaife torque-biasing differential. The engine has a bespoke engine management system. The car will also be offered with a 480hp, 3.0-liter V8 for championships and countries where it is allowed. The engine does not meet EU emissions standards, so buyers will either have to live outside of the EU or only use the car on the track. 

Radical estimates that the RXC will take 2.8 seconds to get to 100km/h and have a 175mph top speed. 

The interior is appropriately spartan. There is an adjustable steering wheel with a multifunction display mounted just above it with optional data logging and optional video system. It also features electrically adjustable and heated mirrors, air conditioning, heated windshield and adjustable pedal box.

Radical has not announced pricing for the RXC yet, but it will be out next year.