In terms of pure driving experiences, few cars if, any can match or come close to equaling the driving thrills offered by lightweight, open-top sports cars focused towards track driving. Whether it be the Ariel Atom, KTM X-Bow, BAC Mono or the plethora of other similarly-designed cars, these cars exist in a very special part of the automotive market.
One of the more recent additions to the market is the 2015 Drakan Spyder. Imported into the United States through Sector 111, responsible for offering the BAC Mono in the U.S., the Drakan Spyder has a few key elements which distinguish it from its rivals. Most significantly, it is powered by a large naturally-aspirated 6.2-litre LS3 V8 engine installed right behind the head of the driver and passenger.
Thanks to an overall weight of 2000 pounds, the Spyder will apparently accelerate to 60 mph in a brisk 3.2 seconds and onto a 165 mph top speed. A transaxle from Porsche is also utilised alongside a quick-shifting 6-speed transmission. As with the very best cars of this sort, it also has powerful brakes, provided by Wilwood, as well as adjustable pushrod suspension at all four corners. Toyo R888 tyres stick the car to the road which at the rear, measure an impressive 315 mm in width.
As Leno discovers, just 10 units of the Spyder will be produced in 2015 at a starting price of $100,000. Thanks to its two-seat design and prominent windscreen, Leno comments on it being more practical than the BAC Mono.