Zenos E10 design sketches published

Zenos E10 07.10.2013

Due in 2014

Zenos Cars has published additional renders with their first model, the E10, which is due sometime next year.

The vehicle is being developed by ex Caterham managers Ansar Ali and Mark Edwards who have envisioned a lightweight sportscar featuring a monocoque chassis made from carbon fiber and aluminum. It will boast aluminum subframes and an almost entirely removable body, along with steel hoops for added safety in case of an unfortunate rollover.

Motivation will be provided by a 4-cylinder, 2.0-liter mid-mounted Ford-sourced engine outputting 197 bhp (147 kW) and a maximum torque of 210 Nm (155 lb-ft) transferred to the wheels via a standard five-speed manual or an optional six-speed gearbox with limited-slip differential. While the output numbers are far from being impressive, once matched to a 1,433 lbs (650 kg) body should result in a seriously fast vehicle. How fast? Zenos mentions the E10 will need just 4.5 seconds from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) before hitting a top speed of 135 mph (217 km/h).

It will ride on a double wishbone front/rear suspension with Bilstein dampers and 16-inch front / 17-inch rear OZ Racing wheels. Stopping power will be provided by Alcon with their two-piston calipers and 11.2-inch discs.

Optional goodies (aside from the aforementioned six-speed gearbox and limited-slip diff) will be ventilated brake discs, adjustable dampers, larger calipers, bigger alloy wheels and several carbon fiber accessories. The interior cabin will host two lightweight composite racing seats and an LCD providing all the relevant info the driver needs.

The Zenos E10 will be launched in 2014 and if everything goes according to plan it will be followed by an open-top E11 in 2016 and an E12 coupe in 2018.