Elfin Sports Cars used the Australian International Motor Show to debut their new Type 5 Clubman, a follow up of the original Type III Clubman.
Designed by Julian Quincey and Adam Dean Smithand, the new model combines many of the previous design elements of Elfin cars of the past with an eye for the future. With the intention of being a sports car suited for both the track and public roads, Elfin spent 18 months developing the new model in order to give enthusiasts “more involvement and accessibility to spirited track and road motoring.”
Power comes from the same 2.0L turbocharged engine that is used in the Pontiac Solstice GXP, producing 194kW (260hp) and 351Nm (259 lb-ft) of torque. The lighter engine enables the new Type 5 to offer substantially improved balance and handling compared to the V8 powered Elfin Type 4 Clubman.
Other features of the Type 5 include traction control, power steering, a six-speed manual transmission, anti-lock brakes, and a total weight of around 700kg (1543 lbs). Australian prices are expected to start at $60,000.
Elfin T5 Clubman Revealed at AIMS
194kW and 351Nm of torque
By Michael Gauthier
October 13, 2008 8:28 PM
Filed Under: Asian, Australian Motor Show, Specialty Marques
Press Release (Click to expand)
Australia’s lightweight sports car company relaunches heritage.
Elfin Sports Cars has officially unveiled the next phase in its already impressive range
of sports cars at the Sydney motor show, with the debut of a new four-cylinder show car.
To be known as the Elfin Type 5 Clubman, the all new model promises to deliver exciting levels of performance at an unprecedented price for enthusiasts and track specialists alike.
Under the guidance of the Tom Walkinshaw Group, Elfin Sports Cars has undergone a significant transformation since the business was acquired over 18 months ago.
The new four cylinder model is a follow-on from the original four-cylinder Type III Clubman which was sold in either an owner-assembled kit or turn-key ready to drive.
The modern Type 5 is sketched by designers Julian Quincey and Adam Dean Smithand takes inspiration from the heritage of Elfin Sports Cars of the past, as well as looking to the future with a product capable of success in Australia and international markets.
“The new addition to the Elfin range is a proud moment for the company and the Australian car industry this year” said Elfin Sports Cars General Manager John Clark.
“Our experience in this market has shown that enthusiasts want more involvement and accessibility to spirited track and road motoring - desires we have delivered on with the Type 5” Clark added.
“We have bought this show car to Sydney on the basis that the final product will be designed 50 percent for road driving and 50 percent for track work.”
The car has been in development for 18 months and is powered by a two-litre Ecotec Turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which it shares with the Pontiac GXP Solstice.
Power output is expected to be 194kW with 351Nm, with the significantly lighter engine offering substantially improved balance and handling over the V8 powered Elfin Type 4 Clubman.
The new Type 5 also adds advanced features such as traction control, power steering, six-speed manual and anti-lock brakes, with a total weight around 700kg. Pricing too is also expected to be a strong point, starting from $60,000.
Comments
v6s_stink
October 14, 2008 6:23 AM
LMS
October 14, 2008 5:39 PM
To me the Clubman MS8 is still my favorite. The latter can't be compared to a Caterham and is much more refreshing.
Elfin is contemporary striving towards a more varied audience whereas Caterham is still 12 guys in a shed...
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The wheels are awesome, too.