Who needs windows? Elemental’s RP1 is a track toy that rolls with supercars

By Stephen Edelstein Published June 24, 2014

Following a tease earlier this month, the Elemental RP1 track car will slither into the public view at the 2014 Goodwood Festival of Speed later this week.

The RP1 is a purpose-built track toy in the vein of the BAC Mono or KTM X-Bow, so it’s not surprising that there isn’t much more to it than what was revealed in the teaser images. The finished product looks pretty menacing, but there’s not really enough bodywork for any real “styling.” Who needs side windows, anyway?

The real purpose of the RP1 isn’t to look good, it’s to go fast, and it should be pretty good at that. The car will be powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged Ford EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, producing 280 horsepower. If Elemental can hit its target weight of just 992 pounds, that would give the RP1 a power-to-weight ratio of around 500 hp per ton. That’s supercar stuff.

If that sounds like too much performance (is there such a things?) Ford’s 1.0-liter EcoBoost triple and a 999-cc Honda motorcycle engine will reportedly be offered as well.

2015 Elemental RP1 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

A lightweight chassis and perky powertrain aren’t the only features that help prepare the RP1 for the track. It also features fully-adjustable suspension, and and aerodynamics package that can generate 440 pounds of downforce at 100 mph, according to Elemental.

Should that not be enough to keep the RP1 stuck to the track, the body panels were also designed to be easily removed and replaced, making repairs a relative breeze.

The RP1 is expected to start production next year, although a specific launch date and pricing haven’t been announced.

Stephen Edelstein

Former Contributing Editor

Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…

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