The Canadian builder of racing cars called Magnum Cars has finally pulled the digital wraps of the recently teased MK5 lightweight track-focused sports roadster. They are experienced in the construction of racing machines, having started to do so way back in 1968, but this is their first road-going model, and at first glance we like it (and its specs).
Magnum states: “Positioned between expensive supercars and track-day cars, offering the best of both. The Magnum MK5’s bold styling, muscular stance and aggressive demeanor are designed to make you, the driver, the center of attraction. It impresses with its great build quality and easy to maintain construction. Blending safety with technological advancements, the MK5 uses premium materials like carbon fiber composites and aircraft grade billet aluminum.”
The go comes courtesy of a mid-mounted four-pot motor that is of unknown origin but makes 250 horsepower, revs to 11,000 rpm and drives the rear wheels via a six-speed sequential gearbox. A main concern with this car was weight, and because high place on the priorities list, it ended up not having to carry that much of it around – it tips the scales (literally) at a mere 1,200 lbs / 545 kg dry, which in conjunction with the revvy engine equates to 460 hp per ton.
Performance is of the kind you’d expect when such numbers are thrown around: 3.2 seconds to 62 mph (100 km/h), and a top speed of 150 mph (240 km/h). It’s also billed as being very easy to drive, yet also able to pull 2G+ in the corners. It also promises to stop well, with “extreme performance, road-legal competition tires” fitted and four-pot calipers on all corners grabbing onto quite large ventilated disks.
Specifications
PERFORMANCE
Power-to-weight ratio: 460 bhp per tonne
0-100 km/h (0-60 MPH): 3.2 second
Maximum speed: 240 km/h (150 MPH)
Handling: Over 2Gs of lateral force
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
Type: 4-Cylinder
Power: 250 bhp
Redline: 11,000 rpm
Configuration: Rear mid-mounted, rear wheel drive
Transmission: 6-speed sequential gearbox with reverse
Differential: Limited-slip
TECHNICAL
Bodywork: Carbon-fiber composite, easily removable front and rear sections.
Functional aerodynamics: Internal front wing, front splitter, flat underbody, rear diffuser
Cargo area: Fits two helmets and a briefcase
Fuel tank capacity: 35 liters
Fuel filler: Lockable billet aluminum
Length: 3,914 mm (154.1 in)
Width: 1,884 mm (74.2 in)
Height: 1,069 mm (42.1 in)
Dry Weight: 1,200 lbs (545 kg)
SUSPENSION
Type: Adjustable pushrod activated, double unequal length a-arms, front & rear
Dampers: Inboard, two-way adjustable, front & rear
Anti-roll bars: Adjustable, front & rear
WHEELS & BRAKES
Tires: Ultra-high performance, road-legal, 225/40R18 front & 265/35R18 rear
Wheels: 18″, ultra-light alloy, front & rear
Brake calipers: 4-piston calipers, radial mount, front & rear
Brake discs: Ventilated discs, with CNC-machined aluminum hubs, front & rear
Brake bias: Cockpit adjustable
Pedal box: Custom CNC-machined hand operated sliding adjustable
INTERIOR
Gauges: Steering wheel mounted backlit digital dash-display, with integrated laptimer and data acquisition system
Steering wheel: Weather resistant suede, with quick release
Seats: Carbon fiber composites
Harness: 6-point, racing-type
Accessory: Rear-view monitor & camera
By Andrei Nedelea
PHOTO GALLERY
