The Swiss Creates World's Fastest AWD Car

By topgear, 26 March 2013

Weber F1

Let's get to the facts fast: Built by engineers coming from the former BMW and Sauber Petronas Formula 1 team, its V10 engine produces 1,200hp, intelligent all-wheel drive and sophisticated aerodynamic properties the mid-engine racer sprints to 300km/h in just 16.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of more than 400km/h. It goes from 0-100km/h in less than 2.5 seconds.

If that isn't mind-boggling enough, it features a full carbonfibre chassis and a monocoque body keeps the weight at just over 1250kg.

Power-to-weight ratio? 960hp per tonne. That's double the figures you get from a Bugatti Veyron.

Now the name, F1 - a.k.a "Faster One" . And the company which makes it? Weber Sportcars. The company that produces several components for the KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) which is used in Formula One cars today.

The first prototype of the F1 was made in 2007. After intensive testing and developing over the last few years, the company has announced that they will launch the first production model next month. The final looks were penned by Richard Amiel from New York, giving it a more agile and aggressive look.

Focusing on the rest of the important bits of this two-seater madness, Weber says that the drive shaft is an inhouse development by Weber, designed for durability as well as drivability of the car. It has "Active Aero Control", an adaptive hydraulic wing that also deploys for braking duties.

The all-wheel drive system features dynamic power distribution and dynamic force control with a maximum of 36 percent of torque directed to the front axles, as well as a variable traction control.

Dealing with all that power is a semi automated, sequential six-speed gearbox that takes 40ms to shift with paddle shift at the steering wheel.

You won't get a lot inside, save for carbon sport seats with leather trim, 6-point safety harnesses and a steering-wheel with controls for the engine mapping and traction control system. Mental.

A-ha, if you were thinking of a stripped out track-racer for the road, the F1 isn't. It has power steering, climate control system, power windows and a sound system with integrated navigation system.

A rear-view camera facilitates maneuvering in reverse. Not bad for something that will blitz the Veyron.

The suspension has "a multitude of selectable settings" for bound and rebound. Brakes? 12-pot monsters with 380mm rotors up front and rear. Well, with 1,200hp, that is quite a figure to stop with anything less beefy that those.

Ah, yes, the figures once again: Nought to 100km/h? "About 2.5s." Nought to 200km/h? "About 6.6s." Nought to 300km/h? "About 16.2s." Top speed? "Over 400km/h." They probably haven't found someone who can max it. Hey guys, we could bring out the Stig...

Price? It's a "price on application" deal here. Maybe these pictures of the car's mad powertrain might entice you. Will you get one? Have a say, interneters...

Weber F1 Drivetrain

Weber F1 Drivetrain

 

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