These days, it’s not uncommon for a new company to proclaim its intention to build a supercar, show off some flashy renderings and unrealistic performance figures, then disappear.
At least one of those embryonic carmakers is bucking the trend. The Vencer Sarthe was first announced in 2012 and has now been confirmed for production, and it’s even more extreme than before.
Rather than tone things down, the Sarther’s Dutch creators gave it more power in production-spec, thanks to a new engine.
Named for the French racetrack that is home to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Sarthe was originally powered by a General Motors V8 that was expected to produce 510 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque.
However, in the course of refining the car for production, Vencer decided to build its own engine. This 6.3-liter, supercharged V8 produces 622 hp and 618 lb-ft, helping the Sarthe hold its own in the current horsepower wars.
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Not surprisingly, that extra power has a positive effect on performance. Vencer estimates the Sarthe will do 0 to 62 mph in 3.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 210 mph, improvements over the original estimates of 3.8 seconds and 200 mph.
The mid-mounted V8 is clothed in bodywork that’s much less generic than the original prototype.
The Sarthe was inspired by 1980s Le Mans prototypes, and that influence can be seen in the chiseled tail and copious scoops. The front end seems to have a little Koenigsegg in it as well.
That body is made from carbon fiber, and is attached to a chrome-molybdenum chassis. There’s plenty of carbon in the interior as well, along with leather and Alcantara. The Sarthe also has its own infotainment system, with a screen prominently mounted on the center console.
Production is already underway in Vriezenveen, The Netherlands, at a rate of just one car per month. The Sarthe is only available in China and Europe, although Vencer may sell it elsewhere in the future.
The base price is 270,882 euros, or about $349,636 at current exchange rates.
