|
The mysterious
Project 1221 team - who are creating the MF1 supercar - have offered a further insight into
their gas-turbine powered car in their monthly programme
update for August, revealing details of optional innovative seating arrangements,
expected maintenance and the 'noise' levels of the engine.
09.08.2005 -
PROJECT 1221 PRESS RELEASE
As first announced in our June 27 update, two distinct
models are being developed on the common
MF1 engineering base,
with the same gas turbine engine mounted longitudinally in a
central position ahead of the rear wheels. Overall
production is always set at 199 units, comprising both
models without any predetermined limit for each one of them.
Among other
features, a centrally mounted steering rack enabling either
left or right-hand selectable drive is specified for both
MF1 models one of which
is a rear-wheel-drive two-seater while the other is an
all-wheel-drive three-seater. In particular the three-seater
MF1 has a 2+1
configuration with the third seat located in the middle
behind the two front seats. When not in use the third seat
can be folded providing extra luggage space that is
accessible through a rear hatch. Rather than a 2+2 of
nominal utility it has instead been decided on a spacious
3-seat interior, which in addition to covering virtually
most real-life occupancy situations notably helps preserve a
particularly effective aerodynamic shape. By the way, it
should be noted that the option of armoured protection will
be available only for the all-wheel-drive three-seater
MF1.
Both the RWD and
the AWD MF1 models have
a power/weight ratio of 1 kg/hp - 1 000 hp/ton or better, as
well as a target speed of 430 km/h - 270 mph or more. These
supercars will indeed provide the private-jet experience on
four wheels and inevitably become the supreme transport
devices on land.
The
Williams FJ33
fanjet-derived turboshaft gas turbine engine weighs
approximately 135 kg or 300 lbs and produces 1 500 shp
(shaft horsepower) incidentally being the lightest, most
compact, most powerful and most fuel-efficient engine in its
class. The low-centre-of-gravity related benefits for
packaging, handling and road holding are quite obvious and
need no further elucidation.
As already
stated the level of maximum available power is at any time
selectable by the driver. Therefore, with performance
knowingly varying between pleasantly brisk and terrifyingly
violent, kept in check by (selectable) traction and
stability control as well as by limited-slip differential(s),
one need not worry about the
MF1 ever being unpredictable. Nevertheless, with such a
powerful machine, one's ability should never be
overestimated either.
Elaborating on
the subject of practicality it should be noted that the
MF1 would offer an
unprecedented care-free ownership experience with
maintenance of the
Williams
engine being essentially limited to just oil changes. Not
even periodical tune-ups are foreseen. Regarding noise
emission at least two different options will be offered to
clients - ranging from effectively "stealth" motoring to the
distinctive, full jet sound-effect. In any case, the
MF1 will easily comply
with all road regulations. |
