Jetstream's Extreme SC250 Lightweight Sportscar Revs Into Production

The guy who ran Michael Schumacher’s suspension programme at Benetton runs a company called Intrax. Intrax was a supplier of suspension parts for this car, the Jetstream SC250 which retails at £29,495 OTR. After months of drooling in cold silence in our rooms, we can finally see what Jetstream has been up to since unveiling a prototype of the SC250 at Autosport International Show in January.

Persuading the SC250 to move at supercar pace is a Vauxhall/Opel Astra VXR/ OPC engine, same 2.0-litre twin turbo working with a 6-speed gearbox. Unleaded and bio-ethanol feed its needs, with the green stuff increasing power by 10 percent. By the way, engine is standard so it brings out 250 bhp. While this may sound like a whisper at Old Trafford, consider that SC250 weighs only 700kg and you realise it has a power-to-weight ratio of 357 bhp/tonne, which is quite excellent by any measure. Claimed performance figures are a 0 – 60 mph time of under 4 seconds and a top speed of 165 mph. Extremely hairy for this open top car, so not something you want to try without at least a space suit on. Suspension is expectedly very stiff, so handling is not an issue at all. What may be an issue for some are the looks, which given, are subjective, but man, this thing should not be allowed anywhere near a catwalk.

Jetstream lists 12 colours as being available to choose from, as well as other luxuries often taken for granted by better-known machinery, such as a gadget power point and a heating system. No Merc-type airscarf though. The cars are made in Cornwall, UK and take between 6 to 8 weeks to complete, depending on customer specs. You can even get a gullwing style door hard top if you like, or a 300 bhp version from early 2009. I guess this will be badged SC300?