British manufacturer Arash has unveiled its new mid-engined AF8 supercar, which is set to rival cars like the Noble M600.
Official performance figures have yet to be confirmed, but the £165,000 Arash is reputed to be capable of 200mph and 0-60mph in 3.5sec.
Power comes from a dry-sumped 7.0-litre LS7 Chevrolet V8. In standard form the V8 produces 505bhp and 470lb ft, but the Arash features upgrades including a carbonfibre intake system and a high-performance exhaust system, resulting in outputs of 550bhp and 472lb ft.
A six-speed manual transmission, with an independent oil cooler for added reliability, sends drive to the rear wheels. Stopping power is provided by six-piston calipers acting on 380mm floating ventilated steel discs at the front, and four-piston callipers and 362mm floating ventilated discs at the rear.
Underpinning the Arash AF8 is a tubular steel chassis that features 'hybrid' carbonfibre reinforced and aluminium honeycomb structures for the passenger compartment panelling. A kerb weight of just 1200kg is quoted, 195kg lighter than the £208,000 Ferrari 458 Speciale.
High tensile steel side impact tubes and a roll cage serve to improve the chassis' durability and safety, while kevlar and carbonfibre-reinforced plastics are used in strategic points to provide extra strength.
The AF8 uses a conventional suspension system, with double wishbones all round and oil-filled dampers, and a power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering set-up, the column of which benefits from adjustable rake and reach.
Arash has constructed the exterior panel work from carbonfibre, and a range of ten solid finishes and some metallic finishes will be offered. The company can paint the body in clear coat, leaving the carbonfibre naked, or wrap the car in a specific design.
Aerodynamics have not been overlooked either, with the AF8 having a flat underfloor, an exhaust-driven rear diffuser and front and rear spoilers.
The use of lightweight materials carries through to the interior, which is finished primarily in carbonfibre. It benefits from upmarket-looking details like a leather and carbonfibre-finished steering wheel, and many buyers will no doubt also appreciate the fitment of a conventional mechanical handbrake.
Equipment includes five-way traction control, touchscreen sat-nav, Bluetooth connectivity, a heated front windscreen, Bi-Xenon headlights and LED rear lights.
Only 36 'First Edition' cars will be built, costing £165,000, all of which will be finished in the yellow colour pictured. These First Edition cars will feature titanium-coloured brake callipers, a carbonfibre rear wing and a carbonfibre engine cover.
Previous models from Arash include the Farboud GT and the 220mph-capable AF10.
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Could be worse
Doubt they will sell more than a handful though, according to the website the previous model the AF10 numbered 1 unit (in answer to KiwiRob's question) which Arash still own! And the GTS before that numbered 3 before Ginetta took over the project.
They could do with a better name though. For an entrepreneur I can understand wanting to put my name on the car, but sometimes it just doesn't work. AFM (Arash Farboud Motors) or something else original would be better for marketing really.
Hmmmmmm!?
Presumably...