You probably have never heard of this car or the company that makes it. Don’t worry, I did not know too much about this vehicle until I consulted with one of my co-workers. Rapier Automotive is a company based out of Boston, Massachusetts that has taken an interest in developing and building a mid-engine supercar. For the past 5 years Rapier has put their blood sweat and tears into the development of their new supercar, the Rapier Superlite Coupe (SL-C for short).
Powering the SL-C is either a 6.2-liter LS3 V8 with 480hp, the 7.0-liter LS7 V8 with 505hp (original engine in older Corvette Z06) or the same engine used in the new Corvette ZR1, the supercharged 6.2-liter LS9 V8 with 638 horsepower. Power is directed through a 6-speed Ricardo manual transmission. Slowing the SL-C are 6-piston calipers biting down on 13-inch rotors up front and 11.8-inch rear rotors.
I know what you are thinking, these guys just took a Corvette chassis and did a few modifications. It is a bit more complicated than that. The Rapier SL-C users an all-aluminum tig welded monocoque chassis/space frame hybrid with composite body panels. Mind you, this vehicle is truly a mid-engine setup. It tips the scale at just 2,375lbs. With those figures, the Rapier SL-C should accomplish a 0-60mph time of 3.0 seconds or better and top out around 222mph.
The 2010 Rapier SL-C is available through Rapier Automotive in Boston starting at a price of $179,000
2010 RAPIER SL-C AT A GLANCE
Top Speed: 222 MPH
0-60: 3.2 Seconds
Curb Weight: 2375 lbs.
Quarter-mile Elapsed Time: 10.6 seconds
Price: $179,000 with LS376
Delivery: 9 Months
[source: Rapier Automotive]
