A new supercar and a new concept in motorsport entertainment


November 20, 2005 One of our favourite television shows, the BBC’s Top Gear, tests all the very fast road cars and it runs them around the same test circuit so times can be directly compared. The fastest they’ve ever had around the circuit was a Maserati MC12, followed by an Enzo Ferrari, an Ariel Atom, a Porsche Carrera GT and a McLaren Mercedes – until recently, when an Ascari KZ1 pushed the McLaren out of the top five. To put the feat into perspective, consider the cars that have been around the same stretch of tarmac and are not in the five fastest –Ford GT, Ferrari 360 CS, Porsche GT3 RS, Lamborghini Murcielago, Pagani Zonda, Koenigsegg CCR, Noble M400, Lamborghini Gallardo, BMW M3, Mercedes CLS 55 AMG, TVR 350C, Dodge Viper SRT-10 and so on. The Ascari consequntly has moved into exalted company and the company’s ambitions stretch far beyond that, with its Race Resort Ascari due for completion in 2006. Located near Marbella in the South of Spain, the resort will offer a world class racetrack, a luxury hotel, and an array of the world’s most exotic cars to drive – if they haven’t got it, any car you fancy can be arranged. Ascari is clearly a name you’ll be hearing more of. The aerodynamic GBP235,000 KZ1 has a super-light, super-strong carbon fibre monocoque chassis and body shell weighing just 1,330kg. Its V8 engine is tuned to deliver 500bhp, giving the car a power-to-weight ratio of 376bhp per tonne, and enabling the KZ1 to offer exhilarating acceleration all the way to 200mph.


Firstly, if you’re a motoring nutter, you’ll find Top Gear’s lap times here, and details of the circuit they use here.

If you haven’t heard of an Ascari before, it’s because the manufacturer is relatively new, and until recently, not many people have had the opportunity to drive one.

The company was formed when Dutchman Klaas Zwart left the oil industry to fulfil his dream of designing and building his own modern day supercar. Ten years later, Klaas’s dream became reality in the form of the KZ1.

Designed and built by Klaas and his team at their 45,000 square foot Banbury (UK) HQ, the Ascari KZ1 is a genuine supercar delivering performance, design and opulent luxury. With production of the hand crafted £235,000 supercar limited to just 50, buyers of the Ascari are guaranteed a rarified level of exclusivity unmatched by most of its rivals.

Stylishly low-slung and sleekly aerodynamic, the stunning KZ1 has a super-light, super-strong carbon fibre monocoque chassis and body shell weighing just 1,330kg. Its V8 engine is tuned to deliver 500bhp, giving the car a power-to-weight ratio of 376bhp per tonne, enabling the KZ1 to achieve an exhilarating 60mph in just 3.7 seconds, and a top speed of 200mph.
(gizmag)

First off, in the looks department this can't even hold a candle to the 1993-97 McLaren F1... Second it is very unoriginal. I see Puegeot headlights & a Ferrari 360 greenhouse on a Boxer like body. Now as far as this 500bhp engine.... what's it based on? Not Ford I hope.

Now as far as this 500bhp engine.... what's it based on? Not Ford I hope.

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00-03 BMW M5

I looks alot like a Ferrari. Thats probably why I like it so much

It looks too boring for a supercar. Sure it has a nice interior and is supercar fast, but it lacks the zest and passion of a Ferrari.

If you want to see Top Gear's review of it, here's the video link to the episode (I heart Google Video):

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4...9421&q=top+gear

HOTTTT!!!!!!

it isnt new. Ive known about htis car for half a decade. It is very nice though.

it isnt new.  Ive known about htis car for half a decade.
It is very nice though.

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new to the market is it not?

thats like saying the new GM SUVs arent new because they have been in testing for X number of years

It's a very safe design....if Hyundai were to design a 'supercar', it would look like this.

It's a very safe design....if Hyundai were to design a 'supercar', it would look like this.

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Exactly waht I was trying to say, well put. Although the BMW V8 has me salvinating! :D

Hyundai supercar.

Yes, I see that on the street occasionally...I completely forgot about Hyundai's radical supercar. My mistake.

He-he! Smartass! :D