INTRODUCTION:
The 2003 Assoluto Silvio, an early turn of the century and controversial hypercar built to celebrate Silvio Assoluto’s 110th birthday (The legendary founder of Assoluto Automobili).
ROADABILITY & PERFORMANCE:
For a mid engined car with a huge engine, even with a weight distribution of around 29F/71R, it’s surprisingly easy to drive and stable. It is of course one of the most technologically advanced cars of the time with a handful of driver aids, and a very fine tuned handling.
The Silvio has enormous high speed performance tyres with huge rims (295/20R21 in the front and 355/15R21 in the rear) that, despite the already wide width of the car, still look hilariously wide on the car.
The Silvio handles amazingly well with it’s RWD combined with the aerodynamics, the downforce, and the heavy weight over the already gripping rear tyres means it really sticks to the road and goes at breakneck speed. It’s also a small (14’ 11’’) and light car weighing in at 2645 pounds, the car is made out of carbon fiber and this results in a low weight. All of this make for an insane performance with partial thanks to the monster of an engine.
The engine is a big DOHC 385 CI V12 that produces a very impressive and genuine, but controllable, 761 HP with some exotic and very race car-esque parts and materials. The engine has potential for just over 900 HP with stock parts, a more aggressive cam, and a richer mix.
The HP number combined with a 6 speed sequential manual gearbox brings the Silvio up to a top speed of 217 MPH with a 1/4 time of 9,66 @ 151 MPH, now this is a RWD car that can really humiliate AWD cars (It also does the standing km faster than the majority of regular road cars at the time could do the 1/4).
We also decided to test the claimed track times to see if they were accurate and the results were a low 7:03 on the Green Hell, which turned out to actually be 5 seconds faster than Assoluto’s official times, a very pleasant surprise.
COMFORT & PRACTICALITY:
The car may look like and seem like a race car but it has a very comfortable interior, and despite the very race car like engine it’s just loud enough to enjoy, well mannered, smooth, and nice to drive thanks to the way the suspension is done up.
The Silvio has 2 seats with a really big interior, I was shocked at how much room there was, even if you are abnormally tall you would be able to drive this thing comfortably.
Luggage capacity is of course terrible but what did you expect? Your best bet would be to put the luggage in the passenger seat.
You would think that a car like this would have really stiff suspension that would be impossible to drive for more than 30 minutes without killing your back but it doesn’t. The car isn’t slammed down to the ground either like most of these modern sporty cars seem to be, and it’s very much drivable on imperfect terrain and for long trips.
ACTIVE & PASSIVE SAFETY:
The car has ventilated disc brakes all around and comes to a complete stop from 60 in just 88 feet, and I don’t think I need to tell you that this thing has no issue with heating or any brake defects.
Despite not having super advanced safety features or a size advantage the before mentioned carbon fiber makes it really tough and resistant.
RUNNING COSTS:
The car is made with great care and quality, like you would expect, the engine is low maintenance and reliable since it isn’t stressed for power.
The car gets a very surprising and good combined MPG of 15, and it runs of super fuel.
The octane level itself is very high for a road car like this but if you can afford this thing you can most likely afford the fuel.
COST:
The car cost 600,000 $ when it came out and was limited to 450 units.
A lot of the steep price is just brand image, but then again how often do you get the chance to own one of these legends?
PROS:
Drivability
Performance
Handling
Comfort
Safety
Braking
Reliability
Fuel Efficiency (For Performance Like This)
Looks
CONS:
Practicality (Obviously)
Price (A Lot Of It Is Brand Image)
Running Cost (Fuel Type)
FINAL RATING:
9 / 10
