This is the AF-8, a car currently being developed by UK-based Arash Motor Co., previously known as Farboud Ltd. If the name sounds familiar it should, this is the same company who started work on the AF-10, a car expected to be released at the end of 2008.
The new car will be smaller than the AF-10 and aims to be ‘driven as an everyday car’ - with conventional doors, traction control, and ABS as standard kit – but we’re told track use is still a high priority.
As with the AF-10, the newcomer will source power from a 7-liter GM V8 generating an estimated 550bhp at 6000rpm. It will be paired to a 6-speed Grazianno Trasmissioni gearbox. Arash claims the car will be able to complete a 0-60mph sprint in 3.4 seconds and reach an estimated top speed of 204mph.
These figures will likely be achieved thanks to a slippery, aerodynamic carbon fiber body (featuring honeycomb and nomex sandwiches claimed to reduce weight and enhance stiffness) built atop a composite steel-carbon chassis - like its larger sibling.
As an 'entry-level' offering to supplement the forthcoming AF-10, the AF-8 is scheduled to be launched in 2010 for approximately £120,000. Arash hopes to produce 25-50 units per year.
New teams may miss 3 races without penalty
'Schu factor' drives higher Aus GP ticket sales
Piquet not ruling out F1 despite 'muddle'
No pre-season testing for Mercedes' Heidfeld
Kobayashi surprised with 'luck' of F1 turnaround
Soucek still fielding options for F1 role
Coulthard expects Button to trail Hamilton
Campos given more time to pay Dallara EUR4m
Klien still in talks with Campos and USF1
New Toro Rosso not off the pace - Buemi
