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Strathcarron SC-5A

The Strathcarron SC-5A shown at the 2000 British Motor Show is taken from the current production series. Like all Strathcarron cars, the silver one displayed is individually numbered, in this case /004, identifying it as the fourth car to the made in the SC-5A series.

The production cars have been developed from the SC-4 concept car shown at the Geneva Show last year. The SC-4 was praised for evolving the excitement and emotions of expensive and exotic sports cars into a package of purity, simplicity and affordability. The year since Geneva has been devoted to putting the SC-4 concept car into production: as a result the SC-5A is fully compliant with all the latest environmental and safety standards, and has undergone an extensive production engineering programme.

The production version carries over all the excitement of the concept car, starting with the Reynard designed composite honeycomb tub. The suspension system, also Reynard designed, is sourced from and developed with Prodrive, who also manufacture the complete corner assemblies, using Bilstein springs and shocks, AP Racing brakes, OZ Gran Turismo wheels and specially developed and treaded Yokohama tyres, giving the SC-5A outstanding levels of feedback and excitement.

To achieve the target weight of only 550 kgs, the extensive use of composites has been carried over to the bodywork which is developed from a new LPHS Kevlar/carbon weave. Incorporating a splitter at the front, with a spoiler and diffuser at the rear, the aerodynamics have been tuned for equal front/rear downforce.

Similar amounts of attention have been paid to the powertrain unit. Starting with a 1200 cc 4 cylinder unit from Triumph, the Strathcarron team have developed their own engine, gears and worked with Hewland on the final drive system. Apart from the company engineering its own fuel injection and engine management system for better emissions and drivability, Quaife are supplying the new gear ratios and their own ATB limited slip differential with a built in reverse. The six speed sequential gearbox has been described by Top Gear as the best manual shift since the Ferrari 360 Modena.

The SC-5A, which is now on sale is a road legal version of the SC-5 racecar which will debut at the Autosport International exhibition also at the NEC in early January. The SC-5 weighs below 500kgs, produces 160 bhp, and costs less than ú25,000.

Strathcarron's future plans include the introduction of the SC-6 at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2001. This entry level model will be made in the Isle of Man from May next year and features the same design philosophy and attitude towards excitement as the SC-5 series, but with more affordable componentry.

Year:	2000	Status:	In production
Engine:	1200cc 4 cylinder	Power:	160 bhp
0-60:	5.5 secs	Top speed:	125 mph

Related Links

Strathcarron website
http://www.strathcarron.com