The Somervell brand, long the “Original Maverick” of American car manufacturers, shocked the world 1992 when they introduced the Switchblade. The premium light sports car followed in the design and luxury tradition of mighty cars such as the Condor and the Siridar - but in a unique light mid-engine format that broke the mold in all ways. The Switchblade’s significance rested in its supremely modern and high-revving V4 engine, which premiered in the supremely popular Somervell Sinclair compact sedan; the legacy of that engine was cemented in the mid-engined sports car, which filled the market void left by a certain other American light sports car.
In 2001, Somervell invested into its image further by allowing lightning to strike twice. The new Switchblade was something of an 80% overhaul: While made from stronger steel, the monocoque remained largely the same, but the styling, interior and amenities were overhauled entirely. One interesting and significant modification was the deletion of the rear glass partition in favor of a removable soundproof engine cover, allowing a third (crispy) major storage space - in addition to the trunk and the frunk - in the Switchblade. Cooling airflow pathways were also overhauled, with high=placed intake and extraction venting replacing lower-body ducting.
Now, the 2005 facelift brings yet another change: The addition of an all-new high-performance (SBP) model to the line-up. The SBP Switchblade features wider directional tires made of exclusive soft summer compound on weather-protected magnesium wheels; a magnetically-actuated semi-active damping sports suspension; sports double-barrel exhaust; multipiston sports brakes; standard torque-sensing differential; and every luxury feature the standard Switchblade boasts, including a hideaway navigation screen.
Oh, and the engine is blown with a low-pressure, non-intercooled system designed to accentuate its high-revving ferocity, and is good for 300 horsepower. Displacement is punched out to 2.5 liters by using plasma-arc-coated piston walls in place of the customary iron liners. With low mass and high response, this engine is out to steal your lunch money. The reinforced close-ratio, six-speed gearbox puts the power down ferociously to achieve 0-60 in less than 5 seconds, on to a top speed north of 180… All while the car boasts over 27 mpg in fuel economy.
The Somervell SBP Switchblade has power everything. It has a long wheelbase and well-regulated wishbone-based suspension for amazing stability even as the shaped underbody enhances grip. And with the V4, it has a unique soundtrack to die for. All in all, the Switchblade is a no-lose proposition.