##3 DAY ROUND UP
With Splendid Auto Monthly’s Gavin Anderson unable to commentate for the 2017 New York International Auto Show, we at The Racing Line Magazine were contracted to substitute for them. We hope to do just as well as a job.
3 days into the show, and there have been many promising releases.
WMD has unveiled an 8 cylinder variant of the the CBX6 coupe, christened the CBX8. Powered by a naturally aspirated flat plane crank V8 that redlines just a hair under 10,000 RPM, the CBX8 is said to be a return to a much purer breed of sports car. Producing 400 horsepower from just a meager 3.2 liters, the CBX8 easily possesses one of the highest specific outputs out of any naturally aspirated motor. The mini club racer CBX4 instead gains a cheaper Inline 3 powered version, christened the CBX3. 120 horsepower may sound unimpressive, but in a 900 kg chassis and a manufacturer sanctioned one make race, you certainly could have lots of fun with it.
Shromet has pulled the covers off the 2018 Dragon, a modern resurrection of the iconic 70s sports car. Despite the old namplate, the new car is certainly no retro throwback. 650 horsepower is channeled through an all new 7 speed dual clutch gear box, ensuring milisecond shifts and zero to 60 times of just under 4 seconds, very impressive times for a front engine - rear wheel drive vehicle. With self leveling suspension and a state of the art interior, Shromet dubs it the ultimate GT car, but it certainly won’t be alone in competing for that title…
Cornaldie shows off the 2018 Veil Menace and Veil R. The Menace is a 2000 horsepower track only behemoth that laughs at the 1 HP per KG ratio with north of 2000 horsepower and 1651 KG and has posted a 1:50 time on the Automation Test Track. The R is the more docile road legal cousin with “only” 1600 horsepower and substantially more weight, however a 1:54 time ensures it remains one of the fastest cars on the planet. Unfortunately for the 1%ers who think 1000 horsepower is nowhere near enough to drive poorly on the track, all 50 models of the Menace have been sold out for a cool 3 million.
Himmel shows off a teaser ad featuring their familiar 490B, a promised 950 horsepower hybrid hypercar. It is expected to make a full specification release and Himmel has announced that it will begin taking orders later this week, at about $ 870,000.
AL Autos reveals the 1522 Delirus R, named after the amount of horsepower it makes, and the emotions it gives an unwary passenger under acceleration. With a curb weight of just under 2000 KG, this is certainly no stripped out racer, but kudos to anyone who can make a comfortable GT with a motor that wouldn’t be out of place in a WW2 fighter.
Zenshi takes off where the CZ6 left in a line of Japanese supercars with the Raizan X1. It is certainly quicker too, packing a twin turbocharged V12 producing north of 800 horsepower sent through all 4 wheels. This allows a 0-60 time of 2.3 seconds, capable of out running the likes of the Assoluto Crinale hypercar. But just look at how pretty it is. As usual from Zenshi, their Shinka design language strikes just the perfect compromise between edgy and subtle.
JHW has come out in full force, with their full 2017 line up all dressed up in white and sharing the distinctive JHW face. With all manner of cars from the $25K Xcel 3 compact to the 200 MPH Proteus supercar and the $230K Harrier Park-Regent, this is certainly a brand with no weaknesses in all fronts.
IMP reveals a brand new flagship, and brings along an old one. The 1987 Opera makes an appearance in all of its 80s glory, with 100% of its 80s Real Estate Mogul aura still intact 30 years on. However the real star of their stall is the L series revival, a nameplate reserved only to the most luxurious IMPs of history and last seen 41 years ago. The new L8 commands a 250K price tag and exudes class from every inch of its very large body, it probably comes with a pass to run over pedestrians who dare to stand between you and your chauffeur’s commute to your very legitimate and ethical billion dollar company.
Rennen unveils a shockingly pretty wagon concept named the Kartana. It is supposedly powered by the same 4.2 liter twin turbo V8 as other Rennens but features tech such as cylinder deactivation for better economy and performance. With an electric differential, carbon ceramic brakes and a top speed of 300 km/h, we’re not too sure whether it is more supercar or sedan, but is it such a bad thing?
Assoluto reveals promotional material featuring the Crinale hypercar, and promises a model release later in the week with replacements for the Fatalita, Ghepardo and Infinito.
Bonham releases the handsome Chaucer sedan, a proper British rival to the likes of the Erin Belrose. It is 100% old school sports sedan, featuring the correct 6 cylinder, rear wheel drive and stellar handling dynamics due to a double wishbone and multilink suspension set up. Bonham promises an all wheel drive and faster version in due time, but a proper manual seems to be what it misses the most.
Zast appears after a long absence with the Gorordo, a mid size 4 door sedan made to “blend in the city as a normal car” for some reason. Even comes with beige paint for extra stealth among the millions of uninteresting commuters on the road. Its powered by a punchy 260 hp 4 cylinder turbo, so there’s probably some sleeper potential in this geezer cruiser from the factory.
Airborne appears with a line up of oddballs in addition to their facelifted Orbit and Sunshine from the RZ sub brand. With artifacts of misery and the failure of communism such as the Hrvatska Sport to the epitome of opulence such as the Grand Illinois, their display certainly has everything for everyone.
Vision Dynamics has brought along a first generation Pilot sports car in perfect condition in addition to the Ogre-Atlas pick up concept and the one make racer variant of the Specter sports car. The Atlas is a certainly promising new comer to the difficult to break American pick up truck market while the Specter One Make Series is a must join for any racer looking for track experience in a fun and challenging racing series.
