ATS Returns To Racing With Lightweight 600 HP Corsa RR Turbo

Ever since its resurrection, ATS Automobili has focused on creating a road-going supercar.

That goal has finally been achieved last year with the launch of the mid-engined ATS GT and since then the boutique Italian carmaker has devoted its time and resources to create a modern-day ATS race car.

It’s called the RR Turbo and was developed in-house by ATS Automobili’s newly-founded ATS Corsa division. Looking at the RR Turbo, you’d be tempted to describe it as a competition version of the ATS GT. You’d be right, but only from a design point of view —mechanically, it’s a different type of beast.

ATS Corsa RR Turbo

Instead of the ATS GT’s McLaren-sourced 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8, the race car features a Honda-supplied 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Developed by ATS Corsa with a closed-deck construction, the turbo four-pot features forged pistons, bespoke intake and exhaust manifolds, and a Garrett turbine.

Also read: ATS Launches Honda Bike-Powered 2016 Sport Dieci Track Toy

Managed by a Hondata ECU, the 2.0-liter turbo delivers 600 hp at 8,500 rpm and 530 Nm (391 lb-ft) of torque, with a flat curve from 4,000 to 7,000 rpm. The engine is linked to a six-speed 3MO FTX sequential transmission with limited slip differential that drives the rear wheels.

ATS Corsa RR Turbo alongside the ATS GT

No performance specs have been released but we do know that the ATS Corsa RR Turbo tips the scales at 1,720 lbs (780 kg), resulting in a remarkable weight-to-power ratio of 2.86 lbs/hp (1.3 kg/hp). The low weight is made possible by the chromium molybdenum spaceframe chassis that weighs only 40 kg (88 lbs) without the roll-cage, as well as the bodywork made from lightweight composite material (available in carbon fiber).

Stopping power is ensured by four-piston Brembo calipers with steel discs but ATS Corsa also offers optional ultralight ATS-Sicom monoblock calipers with 350-mm (13.8-in) carbon ceramic discs.

The optional ATS-Sicom carbon-ceramic brakes

Highlights also include a double wishbone pushrod suspension with electronic Tractive shock absorbers adjustable via the touchscreen display, Michelin racing tires, AIM dash logger, as well as a tablet console linked to the in-car cameras for recording and live-streaming track sessions.

According to ATS, the RR Turbo has been developed as “a multi-purpose race car able to offer top-level performance in the vast majority of FIA events in all of Europe.” The racer is eligible for all Challenge and GT Cup series, including the German VLN, French VdeV, CIVM, and all European hill climb championships. Prices start from €110,000 ($121,500), excluding taxes. Deliveries will begin in spring 2020.