After unveiling a prototype last year, British sports car company Avatar has revealed its first road-ready production car at the 2017 Performance Car Show.
Now fully certified, the Devon-based firm has developed the prototype, making over 100 refinements to offer a 250bhp sports car which it claims is now ‘equally at home on road or track’.
The 695kg Avatar retains the Ford Ecoboost engine, Nitron dampers and Rota wheels, helping deliver 0-60mph in four seconds and a top speed of 145mph. Adding a leather interior and heated screen together with other features to broaden its appeal, new no-cost options also include an Apple CarPlay + Android Auto audio system, the roof, heater and air conditioning.
“After showing the prototype we realised that our customers wanted more. We listened and have responded to our customers who loved the superb performance and fine handling but wanted more refinement and features so they could use the car for more than just track days” said Avatar Sports Cars director Dylan Popovic. “We’ve smoothed the raw edges to create a much more rounded package. We’ve changed the suspension geometry, adjusted the steering rack ratios and improved the ergonomics in the cabin with intuitive switchgear as well as developed features that make the car a delight on the road and track.”
Avatar is also offering a 2.3-litre, 350bhp option that sees 0-60 mph times cut to 3.6 seconds with the Ford Focus RS-engined derivative using a six-speed transaxle. Drivers seeking a more frenetic shifting experience can opt for a paddle-shift operated seven-speed sequential Quaife gearbox.
The car’s bespoke laser-cut spaceframe chassis and composite bodywork is retained, alongside the offset driving position that improves weight distribution. The option for a pure track experience hasn’t been forgotten, says the company, with a full roll cage, plumbed-in extinguisher, foam-filled tank, data logger, GoPro HD camera kit and rear wing still available if desired.
“With these additions the car is eligible for a considerable number of club championships whilst still be road legal,” added Popovic.
The company aims to be ‘focused on delivering a personal service’ to ensure each customer receives a vehicle that meets the most exacting requirements, with founder Terry Matthews behind this level of customer service. He has over three decades of experience developing bespoke vehicles at sister sports car manufacturer Marlin and said: “We produce and set up every car so the way it performs and handles meets each individual’s requirements".
“We will create the car around the customer so they feel that it fits them perfectly, like a glove. Maybe they prefer stiffer suspension, a slightly higher ride height is needed to cope with an awkward driveway or the customer has a very specific colour or trim design in mind for the leather interior. We offer a bespoke service where the only real limit is imagination.”
Avatar’s sister company Marlin is manufacturing the production models, of which no more than 50 will be built. The new car comes with an unlimited mileage, three-year warranty and the reassurance the Ford engine can be serviced at any Ford dealer.
Production begins in the Spring with prices starting at £39,990.