Rodin Cars has began the testing and development phase of their bespoke, track-only hypercar which is set to rival the likes of Aston Martin’s Valkyrie, Gordon Murray Automotive’s T.50S Niki Lauda and others.
The New Zealand manufacturer has turned its first laps on their FZERO hypercar prototype at their facility near Mount Lyford, on South Island, where they house three purpose-build circuits.
Billionaire, owner and FZERO designer David Dicker took to the wheel of his track-only machine which utilises a 4.0 twin-turbo V10 engine, producing 1013 hp – and a naturally aspirated variant of the ‘RC.TEN’ powertrain is in the works – which will push it to a 360 km/h (223 mph) top speed.
After their bid for an F1 team was rejected earlier in the year, Rodin has focused their project to enter the niche market of track-only hypercars – having unveiled the FZERO last year – with a prototype incorporating race car design properties like a single-seat and closed-cockpit combination.
Dicker said: “While there’s a long road ahead of testing and development, running the FZERO for the first time gives me immense pride in what everyone at Rodin Cars has achieved in bringing this programme to life.
“The test went very well and we were able to work through our programme.
“We’re excited as the FZERO project enters its next phase.
“It really is a car like no other.”
Emma Duncan, Rodin Cars General Manager, added: “Seeing the FZERO effortlessly take to the track was an inspirational moment.
“The car represents engineering excellence and is truly a masterpiece.
“This is a pivotal development for the future of Rodin Cars.”
The FZERO took on its debut track outing after a several installation laps, and Rodin continue its initiated track testing and development phase of the prototype.
Two prototype engines were initially built in the UK by Neil Brown Engineering, before the RC.TEN development process moved in-house at Rodin Cars.
Furthermore, they intend to offer the RC.TEN as a crate motor for motorsport applications.
Is this a version of the elderly Judd V10 engine?