New challenge on test track
South Island-based racing car maker Rodin has expanded its test track, writes Damien O’carroll.
North Canterbury-centred Rodin Cars, which selfdescribes itself as ‘‘an emerging high-technology manufacturer’’, has just completed a substantial upgrade to its dedicated test trackwith a full track resurface and the addition of a challenging 130-metre radius corner.
As well as being available to owners of Rodin cars, the test track is used in the development of the FZED, a $1million 300kmhexceeding single-seater car designed to emulate a modern Formula One feel, expected to be usedmainly for track day outings by wealthy individuals, though Rodin Cars’ Australian founder, David Dicker, says it is eligible for the New Zealand Formula Libre series.
The test trackwas designed by Dicker, who said: ‘‘I created something I would really enjoy driving on myself. It’s exciting, challenging and exhilarating. I laid out what I thought would be testing for both the car and driver.’’
The company says the new 130-metre radius corner is similar to Suzuka’s famous 130R corner, with the new section offering customers ‘‘an exhilarating experiencewith an incredible blend of fast straights, tight and technical chicanes and, now, a long sweeping left-hand corner that’ll test both driver and machine’’.
The new left turn is followed by awide-opening radius right-hander that Rodin says can be taken with ‘‘a simple down-change and strong commitment’’.
The test track facility is divided into three stages. Stage 1 consists of a 30m radius skid-pad used to fine-tune the balance of a car’s handling, while the second stage is an undulating 2350m 12-turn circuit of dips, blind crests and varying cambers.
Finally, Stage 3 ismade up of a fast, flat and deceptively challenging 2438m circuit of seven turns and a 900m straight onwhich the company says the FZED has achieved speeds approaching 300kmh. Stage 2 has now been widened to 10m to allow for a better driver experience.
Alongside the widening of the lower part of the track, the entire length of both tracks have been resurfaced.
‘‘We added the 130-metre radius corner to further develop the Rodin FZED and Rodin FZERO handling at high-speed,’’ Dicker said.
‘‘It’s a challenging corner for both the car and the driver and will certainly add to the stunning experience of driving a Rodin vehicle. I’m pretty happy with the track and the customer experience centre now. We have big plans to continually develop this facility further.’’
This customer experience is available to existing Rodin FZED customers and to those who purchase the new Rodin FZERO.
The FZERO is Rodin’s next project that is in development. The company describes it as ‘‘a track car that’s faster than a current Grand Prix Formula 1 racer’’.
The FZERO will pack a bespoke twin-turbo 4.0-litre V10 that produces a frankly insane 1193kw of power and has a target weight of just 605kg (including the driver), with a downforce figure of 4000kg at 300kmh.
By way of comparison, the fearsome Aston Martin Valkyrie will weigh more than a tonne, produce less power and is expected to generate 1800kg of downforce.