VŪHL(pronounced ‘vool’) 05 Unveiled: Mexican Lightweight Supercar

The VŪHL 05 is an innovative mid-engined two-seater car

The two brothers, Iker and Guillermo Echeverria, of the Mexican/American design agency, Etxe, have founded the VŪHL 05. The Vuhl 05 is launched a week earlier than predicted. It is developed along the same principles as the BAC Mono, Ariel Atom and KTM X-Bow.

VŪHL stands for Vehicles of Ultra High-performance and Lightweight. The VŪHL 05 has been precision engineered for the track and endowed with exhilarating performance for both the road and the circuit.

VŪHL 05 has a top speed of 245km/h

VŪHL 05 is made from RTM reinforced plastic

Its handling was optimised in the UK, the bodies will be fabricated in Canada and final assembly conducted on VŪHL’s behalf by Adman Leku in Mexico City. The car is expected to have Ford power and a track-focused setup.

“We intend VŪHL products to be renowned for their effective simplicity and aesthetics guided by a purity of function,” said Iker Echeverria.

The open-top car is built on a monocoque chassis that weighs just 172 pounds(78kg), and the dry weight of the full car tips the scales at just 1,532 pounds(695kg). The chassis comprises a three-section bonded tub constructed from aluminium extrusions and aluminium honeycomb — aerospace technology that endows the 05 with a remarkably high level of torsional rigidity for optimum handling. Bolted direct to the passenger cell is a chrome-moly steel subframe housing the engine and rear suspension. The standard body is made from RTM reinforced plastic, but carbon-fibre is an option. The aero features include a flat underbody, front and lateral splitters, rear diffuser and rear spoiler.

Power comes from a 2.0-litre version of Ford's turbocharged EcoBoost  four-cylinder engine, the output of which is 213kW and 420Nm and produce 285 horsepower and nearly 310 pound-feet of torque.. The punchy turbo engine, mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, should give the VŪHL a 0-62 mph of just 3.7 seconds, and a top speed in excess of 150 miles per hour (245km/h). Steering is by a high ratio rack and pinion system.

VŪHL 05 includes a 6-speed manual gearbox, waterproof suede, carbon fiber seats

The suspension is by unequal length double wishbones front and rear. Braking is by four-pot alloy callipers all-round, operating on 310mm ventilated cross-drilled discs at the front and 280mm units at the rear. The 05 rides on OZ alloy wheels shod with Michelin tyres; the sizes of which are 205/45 x 17 at the front and 235/45 x 18 at the rear.

The unique specification can include: carbon bucket seats; 330mm quick release water-resistant suede-covered steering wheel; electronic data acquisition dash; integral HD camera; and water-resistant Dinamica suede trim.

VŪHL says in its press release that initial sales will be limited to the UK and North America, though it doesn't specifically mention the US. The price for the 05 is listed at 55,000 pounds ($84,000, US$82,750 ). Orders are being taken now for delivery beginning in the spring of 2014.

VŪHL 05 , a Mexican Lightweight Supercar

DIMENSIONS:

• Width                        1876mm
• Length                       3718mm
• Height                        1120mm
• Wheelbase                 2300mm
• Ground clearance       110mm
• Dry weight                 695kg
• Kerb weight               725kg
• Power to weight ratio 400bhp/tonne
• Weight distribution      37/63 (front/rear)

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Write by: RC - Friday, July 5, 2013