Radical will showcase its new RXC sports car for the first time at the Salon Privé in London (September 4-6, 2013). The company’s first ever enclosed car, the RXC is said to mark a new step in the development of the brand, by bringing Le Mans engineering and aerodynamics to the road. Radical promises that the RXC delivers “incredible performance whilst remaining easy to own.”

It is powered by a 3.7-liter V6 engine mated to a RPE/Quaife seven-speed gearbox – a configuration developed specifically for the RXC. The six-cylinder develops 380hp at 6,750rpm and 320 lb-ft (434 Nm) of torque at 4,250 rpm. Given that the RXC only weighs 900 kg (1,984 lbs), the power-to-weight ratio of the car is 422hp/ton, granting ballistic performance: 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in 2.8 seconds and a top speed of 175 mph (281 km/h).

The V6 unit, sourced from the Ford Mustang, has a twin-independent variable cam timing and sequential multi-port electronic injection, controlled by a Radical/AER Life engine management system – the same as on the SR3 SL roadster.

The car’s most striking design element are the gullwing doors, with Radical saying the RXC has the most complex body it has ever produced, as it includes both composite and carbon fiber sections.

The bodywork sits on a high-tensile, laser-cut CDS tubular steel spaceframe, developed similarly to Radical’s FIA-approved SR series chassis. The integral roll-cage ensures occupant safety and vehicle stiffness, with the nose and tail of the car being fitted with monocoque crash boxes.

“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,” Radical’s managing director Phil Abbott says.

The RXC will be available in track day, racing and EC Type Approved specifications. On request, Radical can fit the car with a 480 hp 3.0-liter variant of its RP-series V8 engine.

By Dan Mihalascu

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