Caparo Caparo T1 prototype completed.

[Zonda]

Caparo Vehicle Technologies has built the first two production prototypes of its Caparo T1 road car. Completion of the "XP1" prototypes marks the beginning of a rigorous test program before production cars can be built and delivered to customers early next spring. The shake-down will include engine mapping and other specific tests as well as long-term durability and high speed trials.

A second prototype — the XP2 — is expected to be completed before Christmas and will similarly be tested for durability and performance. The highly experienced professional race driver Chris Goodwin will help to evaluate both vehicles for their all-important handling characteristics and dynamic performance on the track.

The Caparo T1 is ofen thought of as something of a road-legal Formula One car. The car weighs just 1102 lbs and will be powered by a 2.4 liter V8 producing 500 horsepower at 10,500 rpm. Zero to 60 mph takes just 2.5 seconds and 100 mph is possible in 5.0 seconds.



I really hope the final product will look more like the initial prototype.