A refreshed VUHL 05 is now available for global trackday aces with pricing from around $100k for this cross between a Lotus and Radical.
The UK sportscar industry is not only an inspiration for this trackday special, but also a target for its dual-use configuration. VUHL hopes to have certification for English roads in the near future. But even though road and track are both viable in a VUHL… one is far more heavily emphasized.
A completely smooth underbody is race-ready, as is the doorless racing frame below the skin.
You can guess how fast the 3.7-second VUHL is on a racetrack thanks to its Michelin slicks and snorting turbocharged engine. The mid-engine layout delivers 285HP and 310 pound-feet of torque, which runs through six-speed manual to the back wheels. Top speed is quoted at 152-mph, largely due to gearing and the lack of a full windshield.
The latest updates to the VUHL help make it feel as special outside as a McLaren — with an 11-piece carbon fiber body upgrade a $10k option. The full suite of track-day kit is available from VUHL — right down to a branded helmet. The cabin has a nicely industrial feel — with a mix of simple aerospace toggle switches and bespoke milled-alloy details like the ignition key.
The configurator is live over at VUHL’s website, showing three slinky colors of white, matte silver or jet black.
2016 VUHL 05
TECH SPECS
PERFORMANCE
Maximum Speed: 245 km/h
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 3.7 s
Deceleration 100-0 km/h: 31.6 m
ENGINE
Type: Turbo, 4 cylinder, DOHC (Twin Variable Camshaft Timing)
Displacement: 2,000 cc
Configuration: Transverse
Number of Valves: 16
Block: Aluminium
Head: Aluminium
Bore x Stroke: 87.5 mm x 83.1 mm
Maximum Power: 285 bhp
Maximum Torque: 420 Nm
Fuel Tank Capacity: 40 litres
SUSPENSION
Front: Unequal length double wishbone + coilover dampers
Rear: Unequal length double wishbone + coilover dampers
WHEELS AND TYRES
Front: 205 / 45 / 17
Rear: 235 / 40 / 18
AERODYNAMICS
Aero Features: Flat underbody / front and lateral splitters / rear diffuser / rear spoiler
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT
LENGTH X WIDTH X HEIGHT: 3,718 x 1,876 x 1,120 mm
WHEELBASE: 2,300 mm
Ground Clearance: 110 mm
Dry Weight: 695 kg
Kerb Weight: 725 kg
Power to Weight: 400 bhp per tonne
Static Weight Distribution: Front 37% Rear 63%
VEHICLE CONSTRUCTION
Chassis: Bonded aluminium monocoque (6061-T6 aluminium extrusions + aluminium honeycomb)
BODY: RTM reinforced plastic (*Carbon fibre is optional)
SAFETY
Front: Aluminium 3 stage programmed energy absorption crash-box
Side: Aluminium double layer high walls
Seat Belts: 4 point harness
BRAKES
Calipers: 4 piston / aluminium construction
Discs: Front: 310 mm ventilated discs, cross drilled, billet machined mounting bells.
Rear: 280 mm ventilated discs, billet machined mounting bells
INTERIOR
Seat: Carbon bucket
Trim: Water resistant Dinamica suede
Steering Wheel: 330 mm / quick release / water resistant suede
Dash: Electronic dash with data acquisition
THE LONDON MOTOR SHOW KICKS OFF A LANDMARK YEAR FOR BURGEONING LIGHTWEIGHT SUPERCAR MANUFACTURER VUHL
With dealers in Mexico, the Middle-East and the UK; the first customer cars delivered; an array of positive media reviews; and a new high-tech factory coming on stream; the VUHL 05 lightweight supercar is set to make great strides in 2016.
London Motor Show
Its first of many public appearances this year will be at the new London Motor Show, Battersea Park, May 5-8, where the up-market brand will be represented by its official UK dealer, Bespoke Performance (www.bespokeperformance.co.uk). This will be the VUHL’s first visit to the England capital and interest in the beautifully-constructed high-performance two-seater is expected to be notably strong.
Goodwood Festival of Speed
An uprated version of the 05 will participate in the new ‘Race Cars For The Road’ class at the Goodwood Festival of Speed (June 23-26), where it will be proudly displayed in the supercar paddock throughout, other than the two times a day when it will take to the hill in earnest in the hands of a yet-to-be-announced top racing driver. Said VUHL Technical Director Iker Echeverria: “This will be like coming home for us, as VUHL enjoyed its successful global launch at the Festival in 2013, where it was driven by the then Sauber now Haas F1 Team ace Esteban Gutiérrez.
Unique qualities
The ultra-striking VUHL 05 is designed for use on both road and track. Its supplier list reads like a who’s who of the global motor industry and no less than 42 percent of the parts are derived from the UK. But it is its unique combination of innovative design, supreme lightweight (it has a power-to-weight ratio of 410bhp/ton), uncompromising build quality and rigorous attention to detail that really sets it apart from its competitors. Said the company’s Managing Director Guillermo Echeverria: “Many of our customers already own, say, a Porsche or Lamborghini and see the nimbler but equally well-made VUHL as a natural garage companion.” UK prices start at £59,995.00.
Further information on the VUHL 05 can be found at www.VUHLautomotive.com and that regarding Bespoke Performance at www.bespokeperformance.co.uk.
Tom Burkart is the founder and managing editor of Car-Revs-Daily.com, an innovative and rapidly-expanding automotive news magazine.
He holds a Journalism JBA degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Tom currently resides in Charleston, South Carolina with his two amazing dogs, Drake and Tank.
Mr. Burkart is available for all questions and concerns by email Tom(at)car-revs-daily.com.