Lotus + Caterham = Zenos E10 R – the Latest British Lightweight Sportscar
Just one year after its first model entered production, Zenos Cars has confirmed the introduction of its quickest, most exhilarating and most focused car to date: the E10 R. With significantly more power and torque, lighter components and uniquely tuned suspension, the E10 R has been developed to deliver maximum performance and driving thrills both on track and on road.
High performance, superb responsiveness
The pinnacle of the E10 range receives a new powerplant – the Ford-sourced turbocharged 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine, which uses a bespoke ECU developed with partner Specialist Components to deliver 40 per cent more power (350 bhp) and 19 per cent more torque (475 Nm / 349 lb.ft). Thanks to a power-to-weight figure of 500 bhp/tonne, the Zenos E10 R delivers truly astonishing performance. Zero to 60 mph (97 km/h) is expected to take just 3.0 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph (249 km/h) is achievable.
The Zenos E10 R also provides great driving flexibility, as over 450 Nm is available between 3,000 and 6,000 rpm. This consistently high torque, combined with outstanding traction, allows the E10 R to excel when overtaking or powering out of corners.
The engine’s responsiveness is further heightened by a lightened flywheel assembly and newly-developed three-inch diameter exhaust system. The latter also delivers a purposeful exhaust note, which leaves no uncertainty about the elevated levels of performance on offer.
Inside, the shortened gear lever of the E10 R makes rapid gear changes with the standard six-speed transmission easy, adding pleasure to road driving and aiding drivers in search of quicker lap times on the track. Comfort and support are offered by the standard twin-skin composite seats, which are fitted with four-point racing harnesses to enhance safety.
In keeping with its track and fast road brief, the braking performance of the E10 R has also been uprated, with ventilated discs and uprated four-pot callipers fitted as standard. The dynamic abilities of the E10 and E10 S have been universally praised, and the E10 R builds on these with detailed changes to spring and damper rates.
Advanced lightweight construction
The E10 R reinforces the lightweight philosophy of Zenos Cars, as demonstrated by with the new wheels of the E10 R, which together are almost 10 kg lighter than those fitted to the E10 S. The reduction in unsprung mass results in even more precise wheel control, increasing grip and body control.
Like its stablemates, the E10 R is built around the extremely strong yet lightweight Zenos hybrid chassis and has a dry weight of just 700 kg. The carbon composite cockpit and steel safety cell are identical to those of the E10 and E10 S, as are the race car-like inboard springs and dampers that connect directly to the front of the spine – protecting them from damage and reducing unsprung mass. The E10 R incorporates adjustable suspension, allowing track day drivers to tune behaviour to suit track layout and driving style.
The dimensions of the E10 R are identical to those of its sister models, giving it a compact form with excellent visibility, allowing it be precisely placed. Outside, the new model also utilises removable body panels made of strong, resilient GRP that can easily be replaced should damage occur.
In keeping with the Zenos philosophy that its cars should offer driving thrills and affordability, the Zenos E10 R is priced from just £39,995.
The E10 R Drive Edition
The Zenos E10 R will initially be available as an exclusive Drive Edition, named after the company’s design partners, who created the unmistakable form of the E10. The E10 R Drive Edition will be immediately recognisable, thanks to the unique black anodised finish of its aluminium spine, visible from inside the cabin, Satin Black front and rear splitters and side winglets, and Satin Black interior trim. Optional on the E10 R, and standard on the E10 R Drive Edition, is a newly developed colour that hints at the new model’s serious performance credentials: Charged Graphite.
Additional equipment also standard on the Drive Edition includes; one-way adjustable dampers, quick-release steering wheel and uprated master cylinders.
The E10 R Drive Edition also boasts an upgraded interior specification, with six-point harnesses, carbon leather trim and carbon seats all fitted as standard equipment. Just 15 examples of the E10 R Drive Edition will be available, at the price of £43,995.
About the Author
Subhash Nair Written work on dsf.my. @subhashtag on instagram. Autophiles Malaysia on Youtube.
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