Zenos has revealed a more powerful version of its E10 sports car, which uses the same engine as the upcoming Ford Focus RS.
Called the E10 R, the new model is described as being the "most thrilling Zenos model yet" and promises "greater affordable performance and driving thrills".
Read Autocar's first drive of the Zenos E10 R
Power for the E10 R comes from the same 2.3-litre Ecoboost engine that powers the new Ford Focus RS. The engine produces 350bhp and 349lb ft, which is enough to give the E10 R a 0-60mph sprint time of 3.0sec and a top speed of 155mph.
By comparison, the standard E10 gets 40% less power from its 2.0-litre Ecoboost engine, at 250bhp, and takes 4.5sec to reach 60mph.
Other changes include a shorter gear lever, four-point racing harnesses and upgraded disc brakes with four-piston calipers. The E10 R is also 10kg lighter than the standard car and has a dry weight of 700kg.
Zenos will also be offering a limited-edition Drive Edition version of the car, which receives bespoke paintwork and new interior trim. Additional equipment on the Drive Edition includes adjustable dampers, a quick-release steering wheel and uprated brake master cylinders.
The E10 R is making its public debut at the Autosport International show. Zenos boss Mark Edwards said: “As the fastest and most focused car we have yet created, the Zenos E10 R is a hugely exciting stage in the development of our company’s story. Yet it is also a logical progression, building on the strengths of the E10 and the E10 S to deliver even greater driving thrills.
“Thanks to its advanced architecture and natural balance, it was always clear that the E10 could handle even more power than the ‘S’ offers. Yet it is vital that any new Zenos model features the Zenos hallmark of affordability and the most accessible way to join the 500 bhp per tonne car club.”
Buffering this affordability is 18-panel bodywork and inboard springs and dampers, with the intention of minimising crash damage and ensuring quick and inexpensive repairs should the driver have an accident the car. Chief operating officer Mark Edwards also claims strong resale values on Zenos cars, further pushing Zenos's affordability mantra.
Prices for the E10 R start at £39,995, with the Drive Edition model - of which just 15 will be made - costing from £43,995, with the first deliveries expected in March. The Drive Edition also features more equipment as standard. Aside from the Drive edition of the E10 R, the model is the third of three E10 variants. Zenos has no plans to expand the E10 range any further, as it eyes new model lines.
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