A great Brazilian poet, Vinicius de Moraes, used to say something extraordinary: “May ugly women forgive me, but beauty is fundamental”. One can apply that to the automotive world and ask: what good is riding a fantastic machine that does not look very attractive? Well, you may ask that for future owners of the Weber F1, acronym that stands for “Fastest One”. And this Swiss-made machine indeed honors the name: weighing a mere 1,100 kg and powered by a deeply modified Corvette LS7 V8 engine pumping out 900 bhp, it achieves a weight ratio of 1.22 kg/bhp. That allows the F1 to reach speeds of more than 420 km/h, according to Weber Sportcars, the Swiss company that has created the car.
The company itself knows the car doesn’t look very appealing and justifies that with the expression “uncompromising innovative styling geared toward maximum aerodynamic efficiency”. In other words, blame it on the air resistance. Weber Sportcars also states that the F1 is the fastest street legal car of the world, but, while the company does not put the vehicle to a certified test, such as the one SSC Ultimate Aero has performed for Guinness World Records in order to get the title the Swiss car claims for itself, that will remain only a statement.
Anyway, we have no reasons to doubt the car can really do what it promises. The LS7 engine has kept only the aluminum block. Everything else has been upgraded to stand the pressure two superchargers impose to reach the high output and the torque of 1,050 Nm at 3,900 rpm. Traction is on all four wheels (up to 36% of power can go to the front wheel), what surely makes the car more drivable, considering its low weight and high output.
Performance figures for the 4.50 m long and 1.50 tall car are impressive: 0 to 100 km/h in about 2.5 s, 0 to 200 km/h in 6.6 s and 0 to 300 km/h in 16.2 s. All brakes use 12-piston calipers, but the company does not inform braking performance numbers. Prices are also amazing: 1,620,000 Swiss francs, or about 1 million euros. Do performance figures, even at that price, compensate having an “uncompromised styling”? Feel free to answer.
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
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)
bristol411s3
May 1, 2008 8:42:42 PM
I am unsure how anybody thinks that PWR (power to weight ratio) has any real affect on a cars top speed. PWR will have a baring on acceleration, but overall horsepower and CdA have the biggest influence on top speed, surely?
Not only is this thing absurdly ugly but I don't believe what they claim.
Uncompromised styling eh? Depends how you see it. To me they have compromised on style and taste. They may even have compromised on creating downforce beneath the car. Why else build a front end that looks like a bulldozer on acid. I?m glad to see a style that doesn?t strictly adhere to the norm but hey, you can be unique and still attractive.
Wow, pathetically ugly, and way way way overpriced. Who the hell will want one of those? A Veyron goes pretty fast, and yet the shape of the car didn't suffer like this one did. Um, I'm guessing this is another cheap a_ss company that spent all their money on engineering and decided to let their engineers also design the body to save some money. How so very lame...
To be honest I don't mind the styling - after all, styling is a highly subjective topic. Objectively this thing will be mighty quick, and Weber may have created a new way of style - 'willfully ugly but beautiful at the same time'. And if anyone of you have heard Shostakovich's Fugue number 15 in D Flat Major, you'll know what I mean.
Right. Facts and numbers look good but driving around in an pinto or azteck is more pretty than this thing. like the rear view shot and that is about it the rest went to...uglyness. Looks like a kit car
I wonder to who is this aimed at, collectors of the most ludacris or well rubbish cars on the planet? With those looks it's hardly going to "attract" any buyers and it's a bit expensive for tracking only; which seems unlikely to begin with since it seems to be aimed at just doing straight-lines very fast. Wait, is it a dragster?
i f*cking love it. :] so unique, and yet once you look at it long enough, past the oddity and strangeness, one can see a beautiful composition and dynamic subtlety like none other recently produced.
looks aside (its a bit odd, but im guessing its practical aerodynamics) the more important issue is top speed... for the top end, power to weight isnt important. absolute gross power and, far more importantly, torque, is needed to force its way through the surrounding air, coupled with low drag. theyre full of crap.
man!!! this thing bites! its just plain fugly, looks like they used a mallet and blow torch for the design stage!!!! i would much rather have a nice looking car thats fast than the UGLIEST, fastest car ever....
most of the car looks like it was designed to produce the really good down force/low wind resistance... the front however, I can't see how it could do anything other then act as an air brake.
I respect anybody elses opinion as beauty is in the eye of the beholder but....i would need a few grams of Cocaine to find this car remotely attractive, like someone said before...you can make a perfectly unique looking car without sacrificing taste/looks...but its just my opinion.
thanks Xanavi for being very respectful to the engineers. Most of commentors aren't. I even don't like the design, but the specs are incredible: 1.22 kg/bhp is a very exiting spec. ...and more important than topspeed I think
I am unsure how anybody thinks that PWR (power to weight ratio) has any real affect on a cars top speed. PWR will have a baring on acceleration, but overall horsepower and CdA have the biggest influence on top speed, surely?
Not only is this thing absurdly ugly but I don't believe what they claim.