Meet the 300kmh Kiwi-built car
A Kiwi-built, highperformance, track day-only car might seem unlikely, but not to Rodin Cars, writes
Production of a New Zealandcreated, 300kmh-exceeding, single-seater car designed to emulate a modern Formula One feel has begun – with five of the $1 million toys now under build.
North Canterbury-centred Rodin Cars, which describes itself as ‘‘an emerging high-technology manufacturer’’, has not indicated how many of the Rodin FZED cars it eventually hopes to make, but has expressed confidence there is a ready market for the machines.
Purely for the track and all about extreme speed, the FZED emulates the look and lightness of a formula racing car, but is expected to be used mainly for track-day outings by wealthy individuals, although Rodin Cars’ Australian founder, David Dicker, says it is eligible for the new Formula Libre series that will start in New Zealand soon.
A car starting in price at US$650,000 – just over NZ$1 million – would represent as the most powerful, and potentially most expensive, presence in a category that otherwise involves formula racing cars that mainly previously contested the New Zealand Grand Prix. Everything from firstgeneration Toyota Racing Series FT40s to Formula Pacific and Formula Atlantics that were premier series cars in the 1990s.
The Rodin’s high-revving 503kW/ 490Nm Cosworth GPV8, related to an engine used in Indycar racing, redlines at 10,000rpm. Such is the power to weight that Rodin claims this 609kg car will hit 160kmh from a standing start in five seconds and top 300kmh.
Rodin Cars has its own test track and research and development facility in New Zealand. This is where Dicker and his team have optimised the performance and handling of the FZED, which is based on the Lotus T125, a car the British brand created with similar, but unrequited, ambition to Rodin – to give well-heeled sports drivers an ultimate thrill.
In supplied comment associated with today’s production start announcement, Dicker claimed an ability to lap at very close to Formula 1 times.
The FZED shops heavily from recognised motorsports’ suppliers. It uses a carbon fibre composite chassis and aero package made in Italy by HP Composites, suppliers to European manufacturers and race
teams, while its floor features an Indy car-style tunnel, rather than the flat floors used in Grand Prix racing.
The 3.8-litre, 32-valve Cosworth engine mates to a six-speed sequential gearbox from Ricardo, while the carbon-fibre brakes are by Alcon.
The high-level four-way adjustable TTX-40 racing dampers are from Ohlins, while the 13-inch diameter magnesium wheels from Italy’s OZ Racing are shod with tyres from specialist British motorsport supplier Avon.
Rodin says having one of the most diverse collections of 3D printers in the southern hemisphere allows it to design and print many components in-house.
The titanium 3D-printed steering wheel for the Rodin FZED has also been designed in-house, as have the composite seats, which will be custom fitted for each owner and paired with FIA-approved seatbelts.
The first five Rodin FZED vehicles are currently being assembled. All will be painted in black and gold in line with Rodin Cars’ corporate identity, although the brand says customers can specify their own body paint finish on request.
Dicker envisages his customers as being experienced and keen drivers who relish the opportunity for a near-F1 experience, without the cost, complexity and risk of owning an actual historic Grand Prix car.
One attraction is that the whereas pure race cars often require expensive maintenance between outings, the Rodin has been engineered for longevity and durability, with the engine designed to run more than 5000km using 98-octane pump fuel.
In addition to Formula Libre, the car is eligible for the BOSS series in Europe. Dicker anticipates it will be eligible for amateur open-wheel racing anywhere in the world.
‘‘The Rodin FZED is a far more practical and durable proposition compared with buying and running an historic GP car,’’ said Dicker.
‘‘People do buy them, I had one, but they are more difficult to run and less durable, plus there’s the risk of crashing a car with an important GP heritage. Some are getting too expensive to risk on a race track, or parts are no longer affordable, or even available.
‘‘The beauty of the Rodin FZED is that you get the Grand Prix experience – the speed, the power, the downforce and cornering grip – in a package that has been designed for easy access and reliable performance.’’