Elemental RP1 sports car (2014): first pictures of Britain’s newest track car

By Jonny Edge

First Official Pictures

23 June 2014 15:58

The frighteningly lightweight Elemental RP1 emerged fully for the first time today, ahead of its public debut at this week’s Goodwood Festival of Speed 2014.

At its heart, the 450kg RP1 has a unique carbon-composite tub based on the designs of contemporary race cars.

The driver will sit 'feet up', allowing for greater underfloor downforce, which goes some way to explaining how the car achieves a quoted 200kg of downforce at 100mph.

You can pick from any one of three engines to power your RP1. There is a tuned version of the 1.0-litre Ford Ecoboost engine, as well as a 2.0 version and a 999cc Honda Fireblade powerplant will be available, but only in a Superlight track-focussed model.

All variants will be come with a Hewland six-speed sequential gearbox, which is the same gearbox you’ll find inside a Formula Three car. Additionally, a limited slip differential and an alternative gear set are available as options for customers who wish to race their Elemental RP1 on track.

You should expect the dash to be formed around the driver and the occupant, for a true race car feel. The dash display itself features an array of customisable options supported by GPS, data logging, G-load sensors, and a data feed straight from the RP1’s ECU, allowing the driver to monitor a whole host of variables within the powertrain.

On the quick-release steering wheel, you’ll find backlit buttons for the indicators, main beam, horn, electronic gearshift paddles, and two unique switches for owners to select a function of their choosing (a bit like on BMW’s M button).

Elemental is a new start-up company staffed by people from the motorsport arena. Which explains why drivers will be strapped into bespoke carbonfibre race seats via four-point racing harnesses. Removable seat pads will - along with adjustable pedals – free up enough space to fit drivers up to 6ft 6in in height, making the RP1 unique in its class, according to Elemental.

Elemental is planning to roll out a limited number of GT Cup-spec race cars for the 2015 season before road car production is slated to start by early summer 2015.
Prices are still yet to be confirmed but Elemental promises they will be competitive with its track-day rivals.

Until then, you can catch it at the First Glance tent at this week’s Goodwood Festival of Speed 2014.

By Jonny Edge