Weber F1, The Faster One, Can Break 420 km/h Barrier

PRESS RELEASE

WEBER SPORTCARS faster one
Swiss Precision Creates the World’s Fastest Street-Legal Sports Car

Legendary Swiss precision is no longer limited to the domain of creating of the world’s most prestigious chronographs. It’s time for the WEBER SPORTCARS faster one! Using a unique combination of high-tech engineering and uncompromising innovative styling geared toward maximum aerodynamic efficiency, WEBER SPORTCARS from Tobel in the Swiss canton Thurgau develops and builds the world’s fastest street-legal sports car.

The two-seater weighs in at just 1,100 kilograms and is powered by a V8 engine with dual superchargers that produces 900 hp / 662.4 kW. Thanks to its exceptional power-to-weight ratio of 1.22 kilogram per hp, intelligent all-wheel drive and sophisticated aerodynamic properties the mid-engine racer sprints to 300 km/h in just 16.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of more than 420 km/h. Retail prices start at 1,620,000 Swiss Francs (export price without VAT).


Favorable aerodynamic properties are absolutely elementary in order to attain a top speed of more than 400 km/h. The car body of the WEBER SPORTCARS faster one is 204 centimeters wide and 115 centimeters high. It is made entirely from ultra-light yet super-strong carbon fiber. State-of-the-art aerodynamics computer software and wind-tunnel testing were employed to trim the carbon-fiber shell for maximum directional stability at the highest speeds. The aerodynamic downforce it creates is surpassed only by purebred racecars that do not have to comply with any legal requirements, e.g. ground clearance, et al.
The front of the car with its two characteristic WEBER SPORTCARS grilles seems almost vertical compared to that of other sports cars, and is the result of the aerodynamic research conducted. This particular design creates an air wedge in front of the car with positive effects on the airflow over the vehicle. The shape of the upward-sloped hood, which extends all the way to the flush-mounted windshield, produces aerodynamic downforce on the front axle to benefit directional stability. The headlamps with integrated LED turn signals and the LED taillights were both designed in-house by WEBER SPORTCARS.

The super sportscar measures 450 centimeters in length, and features doors that for aerodynamic reasons have no external door handles. They open and close instead at the push of a button. The two streamlined side view mirrors provide an excellent rearward view. Integrated into the roof is an airbox that supplies the engine with its intake air.

Streamlined air intakes integrated into the rear of the car supply intercoolers and oil cooler in the engine bay with fresh air. The smooth underfloor of the WEBER SPORTCARS faster one flairs into a wide upturned Venturi tunnel in the rear. This aerodynamic ploy contributes to the creation of strong aerodynamic downforces as does the electronically controlled deployable rear wing. This high-tech airfoil not only creates downforce but also serves as an air brake. Depending on current speed and driver-applied braking force the wing deploys into fully vertical position in 50 milliseconds. That creates up to 4,000 newtons of additional braking force.

The WEBER SPORTCARS faster one supercar is powered by a V8 engine with a displacement of 7,011 ccm, dry-sump oil system and dual superchargers. The engine is based on the LS7 engine but of the original engine only the cylinder block and the basic design using one central camshaft and rockers for valve activation remain.

The lightweight aluminum block was upgraded with high-performance parts such as a precision-balanced crankshaft, precision-balanced piston rods and forged pistons, a camshaft with sharper timing, and two cylinder heads with larger valves and intake and outlet ports tuned for optimal mixture flow.

The engine peripherals were also modified extensively. They now include a custom-developed high-performance fuel injection system and an also custom-developed supercharging system with one mechanical belt-driven supercharger per bank of cylinders. Maximum boost pressure is limited to 1.0 bars.

The stainless-steel exhaust system features metal catalysts with low back pressure as well as a muffler bypass valve for an impressive sound experience.

The engine management system stems from the world of car racing and orchestrates the perfect interaction of all components and parameters. At the same time buttons on the steering wheel give the driver the option to select different mappings to adjust power output and throttle response to the specific driving situation. The engine electronics also are responsible for meeting stringent EURO IV exhaust emission limits.

The WEBER SPORTCARS faster one twin-supercharger engine delivers 900 hp / 662.4 kW at 7,000 rpm and produces a peak torque of 1,050 Nm at 3,900 rpm.

The transmission was a proprietary development by WEBER SPORTCARS which also builds it in-house. The semi-automatic sequential six-speed gearbox is operated via shift paddles on the steering wheel, the method of choice in today’s super sports cars. Of special importance was an extremely short shift time of just 50 milliseconds between gears, as well as maximum durability under the enormous strain of 1,050 Nm of gut-wrenching torque.

The intelligent all-wheel drive system with dynamic power distribution to all four wheels is also a proprietary development from WEBER SPORTCARS. Electronically controlled differentials ensure maximum traction under all road conditions and thus always the best-possible acceleration. Up to 36 percent of the engine’s power is transferred to the front wheels.

The combination of light-weight design, enormously powerful engine, high-end four-wheel drive, an active traction control system derived from Formula One racing and innovative aerodynamics gives the WEBER SPORTCARS faster one acceleration times previously only attained by purebred racecars. The two-seater sprints from rest to 100 km/h in just 2.5 seconds and reaches 200 km/h after just 6.6 seconds. Thanks to its favorable power-to-weight ratio and exceptionally low drag it passes the 300 km/h-mark after just 16.2 seconds. Top speed is more than 400 km/h.

To realize the projected performance WEBER SPORTCARS has developed an optimal symbiosis of light-weight design, power and aerodynamics. The entire frame of the WEBER SPORTCARS supercar weighs just 65 kilograms and like almost all components and tools it is manufactured in-house at WEBER SPORTCARS. It is made from high-end aluminum usually reserved for aerospace applications. The tools for making the high-strength aluminum profiles were also created by WEBER SPORTCARS. These profiles are then welded into a tubular frame whose exact design was determined using FEM (finite element method) computer software.

These measures result in exception torsional rigidity: Under a load of 30 metric tons the WEBER SPORTCARS faster one body flexes just 1.0 degrees. For an ideal weight distribution ratio of 50:50 and the lowest possible center of gravity the sportscar is equipped with four fuel tanks that have a combined capacity of 110 liters.

The suspension of the supercar brings purebred racing technology to the street. That includes upper and lower A-arms milled from one piece by WEBER SPORTCARS, and struts with a multitude of selectable settings for bound and rebound on both axles.

Especially light custom wheels were manufactured for the ultra-wide track. The front axle features size 10Jx20 rims shod with size 285/25 ZR 20 tires. They transfer steering wheel inputs and up to 36 percent of the engine’s power to the road. The rear axle is fitted with size 13Jx20 wheels and size 325/25 ZR 20 tires.

In addition to the high-tech air brake WEBER SPORTCARS selected only the best of the best when it came to designing a brake controlled by a high-tech ABS anti-locking system. WEBER SPORTCARS produced its own 12-piston fixed calipers that viciously grab vented ceramic disc brakes measuring 380 x 34 millimeters on front and rear axle. These brakes can bring the two-seater to a stop from 100 km/h in short 30 meters or so.

The two-seater cockpit of the WEBER SPORTCARS faster one with integrated safety cell combines purebred carbon-fiber and leather racing looks with the creature comforts nowadays associated with a super sports car. Customers can freely choose their favorite color combination.

The Formula 1 style steering wheel is another in-house development. It incorporates controls for engine mapping and traction control system as well as shift paddles for the sequential gearbox.

Among the comfort features present are power steering, climate control system, power windows and a sound system with integrated navigation system. A rearview camera facilitates maneuvering in reverse.

As an alternative, WEBER SPORTCARS offers an uncompromising racing interior with carbon-fiber competition seats and six-point seatbelts.

About WEBER SPORTCARS

In 1988 Roman Weber (42) started his own company after completing an apprenticeship as a toolmaker and earning a university degree in mechanical engineering. He specialized in wire erosion and manufactured foremost medical implants and orthopedic instruments from titanium and other high-tech materials.

In 1990 the Swiss businessman widened the company focus to include the manufacturing of high-tech components for a number of Formula 1 and German Touring Car Championship (DTM) teams. The move to the new company facilities in Tobel in the Swiss canton Thurgau was accompanied by a further expansion of the product lineup that now also incorporated high-quality stamping tools for the automobile industry.

In 2000 the company changed its name to Roman Weber GmbH and became the largest provider of wire erosion services in Switzerland.

Two years later Roman Weber founded the new WEBER SPORTCARS division with the sole purpose of developing the world’s fastest street-legal sports car. Thanks to the immense know-how gathered in the manufacturing of racing components the CAD- and FEM-based development made great strides. The acquisition of a high-tech machining center allowed the development team to manufacture the first prototype components as early as 2003.

In 2005 the future assembly plant for the production of the Swiss sports car was erected just a few short hundred meters from the Weber parent plant.

The public got its initial look at the first concept car of the WEBER SPORTCARS faster one at the Top Marques Expo in Monaco in May of 2007. After the completion of the testing phase the start of the exclusive small-series production is planned for the summer of 2008.

The Weber Sportcars super sportscar is not just aimed at automotive connoisseurs who want to call the world’s fastest street-legal sports car their own. It is at the same time testament to the immense technological resources and the enormous know-how of Roman Weber GmbH.


WEBER SPORTCARS faster one – Technical Specifications

Two-seater mid-engine sportscar with intelligent all-wheel drive

Chassis

High tensile WEBER SPORTCARS aluminium-made tubular frame with integrated safety cell. Tubular frame design using FEM (finite element method) computer software. Welded from high-end aluminum usually reserved for aerospace applications. Weight of the entire tubular frame: 65 kilograms.

Bodywork

Two-door bodywork entirely made from Carbon. Air brake via a rear wing deploying into fully vertical position in 50 milliseconds.

Dimensions:
Length 4,500 mm
Width 2,040 mm
Height 1,150 mm
Curb weight 1,100 kg

Engine

V8-cylinder 2-valve LS7 light alloy engine with central camshaft, electronic WEBER SPORTCARS injection and two mechanically driven superchargers with intercooler.

Cylinder angle 90 degrees
Camshaft drive Chain
Displacement 7,011 cm³
Bore 104.8 mm
Stroke 101.6 mm
Compression-ratio 10.0 : 1
Max. power 900 hp / 662.4 kW at 7,000 rpm
Max. torque 1,050 Nm at 3,900 rpm
Power output per liter 128.37 hp/liter / 94.48 kW/liter
Fuel: Premium fuel 98 ROZ
Engine oil capacity 15 liters
Cooling water capacity 29 liters
Charger system 2 WEBER SPORTCARS superchargers with belt drive
Max. boost 1.0 bar
Injection Electronically controlled WEBER SPORTCARS injection
Exhaust system WEBER SPORTCARS stainless steel high performance exhaust system including special manifolds and high performance metal-bed catalytic converters. Sound management via electronically controlled throttle system.
ECU WEBER SPORTCARS electronic control unit, OBD.
Battery 62 Ah

Power transmission

Intelligent WEBER SPORTCARS all-wheel drive with electronically controlled differentials and dynamic power distribution to all four wheels (Up to 36 percent of the engine’s power is transferred to the front wheels) and active traction control system derived from Formula One racing.

Semi-automatic sequential six-speed WEBER SPORTCARS gearbox with shift paddles on the steering-wheel.

Shift time 50 milliseconds
Transmission-ratio 0.95 : 1

Gear-ratios:
1st speed 3.093
2nd speed 1.869
3rd speed 1.339
4th speed 1.043
5th speed 0.855
6th speed 0.738
Reverse gear 3.500

Suspension

Independent wheel suspension in front and rear

Track width FA: 1,625 mm / RA: 1,606 mm
Wheelbase 2,900 mm

Front axle:
Upper and lower A-arms milled from one piece by WEBER SPORTCARS. Height-adjustable suspension struts with springs and a multitude of selectable settings for bound and rebound. Anti-sway bar.

Rear axle:
Upper and lower A-arms milled from one piece by WEBER SPORTCARS. Height-adjustable suspension struts with springs and a multitude of selectable settings for bound and rebound. Anti-sway bar.

Wheels:
WEBER SPORTCARS light alloy wheels with Pirelli high performance tires.
Front: 10Jx20 with 285/25 ZR 20 tires
Rear: 13Jx20 with 325/25 ZR 20 tires

Steering:
Power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering

Brake system

Dual-circuit brake system with ABS and WEBER SPORTCARS high performance brake system.

Front: WEBER SPORTCARS 12-piston aluminium fixed calipers with vented 380 x 34 mm ceramic brake discs.

Rear: WEBER SPORTCARS 12-piston aluminium fixed calipers with vented 380 x 34 mm ceramic brake discs.

Performance

0 - 100 km/h: about 2.5 s
0 - 200 km/h: about 6.6 s
0 - 300 km/h: about 16.2 s

V/max: 400 km/h plus

Interior

Two-seater cockpit with integrated safety cell

Seats WEBER SPORTCARS Carbon sport seats with leather trim
Safety belts 6-point safety belts
Steering-wheel WEBER SPORTCARS steering-wheel containing controls for engine mapping and traction control system and shift paddles for sequential gearbox.
Air condition
Navigation GPS navigation system with integrated rearview camera.

Alternatively available is a WEBER SPORTCARS racing interior with Carbon racing seats and six-point racing harnesses.

Price

Basic price 1,620,000 Swiss Francs (export price without VAT)