2013 AAA Crusader 6.0
This is what I’d wanted my abortive QFC71 entry to be if it wasn’t constrained by the rules of that round - instead of a galvanized steel bodyshell with partial aluminum bodywork and a 2+2 seating arrangement (which would’ve been a very tight fit on the '09 Jackal 2-door coupe with a 2.57m wheelbase), this is an all-aluminum pure 2-seater developing 450 bhp instead of 350 with an identically sized engine sharing the same valvetrain (OHV + VVT).
The choice between a 6-speed manual or advanced automatic transmission (to which the former has been fitted here - the Arbalest 2+2 had the latter instead) remains, though; both are hooked up to the rear wheels (now larger, forged items wrapped in staggered high-performance tires) via a helical LSD. The safety suite is the most advanced one available during the 2010s, to better fit its premium interior/infotainment combo.
Also shared between the two are dual-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension, with progressive-rate springs and adjustable adaptive dampers for world-class handling. The vented disc brakes are larger, with twice as many pistons per caliper, compared to those of the Arbalest, but traction and stability control have been retained along with ABS and variable-ratio hydraulic power steering.
Unlike its progenitor, the Crusader has a fully detailed interior, as shown below.
This Crusader is best described as “big engine + small car = big thrills” - even more so than its predecessors. 450 horsepower in a 1430kg car yields an 0-60 time of 4 seconds and a top speed of 193 mph, thanks to a functional aero kit (front/rear spoilers + rear lip diffuser) and a low frontal area. Although a contrasting color for the roof and pillars is optional, a carbon-fiber roof panel is standard on all coupes.