Love at first sight can happen in many ways as everyone is fascinated by different things. The diversity of taste is unlimited.
With the car I’m going to show you today, you may see many details that tug at your heart strings; the design, the technology beneath, the track performance. Having had the chance to take a deeper look at this mean machine based on a Audi R8 V10 Plus street car, I will try to supply as much information as possible so every single one of you will be captivated for your own different reasons.
Potter and Rich, a consortium of innovative and passionate car enthusiasts, had the idea of creating a unique supercar that aimed for maximum performance and next generation technology. It’s called the MC8.
One of the first upgrades added to the base car by mcchip-dkr (the technical partner for this project) was the complete Audi LMS Ultra carbon fiber bodykit.
Including its side flaps, the splitter creates around 150kg of downforce at 200km/h, resulting in direct steering and sharp turn in.
The rear wing produces about 200kg of downforce at the same speed, and helps in putting the power down as well as having a reliable back end, especially through fast corners.
Beside the aerodynamic parts that have been added, the weight reduction of circa 120kg is also an outstanding detail, and one that not only improves performance but lessens brake and tire wear, and reduces fuel consumption.
On track, the MC8 is running on 18×11-inch (front) and 18×13-inch (rear) BBS Motorsport wheels with Kumho Ecsta V70 tires in 305/30ZR18 and 335/30ZR18 respective sizing. In the suspension department you’ll find a KW Competition 3A race kit including HLS (height lifting system) to increase ground clearance when required. Similar to the race machine, this car is missing the front drive shafts as it too has been converted to rear-wheel drive.
Although the outer shape of the car is totally track focused, you enter a different world on opening the doors. Seeing the suede-covered door panels, dashboard and the seats, it seems like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde created this beast.
The reason for the clash of styles is simple – the car should offer track genes as well as cruising ones. In other words, the boy wants to race and the girl wants to travel in total comfort. We’ve all had this discussion in the past, right?
Nevertheless, besides AC and a Bang & Olufsen sound system, there are still nice details to remind the driver of what is going on outside the confines of the cockpit.
Technology
Now it’s time to get serious and take a deeper look at the power-plant of this mid-engined supercar. The V10 FSI unit offers 550hp and 540Nm in standard spec, but there’s a lot more potential here…
The engineers and technicians of mcchip-dkr, specialists in engine upgrades, removed and disassembled the engine, before installing forged pistons and conrods, and giving the cylinder head and flywheel a final treatment. The final piece of the puzzle – a supercharger.
In addition to the engine itself, mcchip-dkr installed a complete Capristo exhaust system including bypass valve which can be controlled by the original Sport button in the center console. Together with the power management developed on their in house dyno, the maximum power output shows 1010hp.
Beside aerodynamics and suspension technology, this power is harnessed by a Brembo brake system similar to the GT3 model. There are slotted rotors and endurance-spec brake pads front and rear.
Track Performance
The real question is, how does this package perform on track?
Well, in order to find out there is only one way – drive it.
I will take you with me on a lap around Ascari Race Resort in order to give you an idea of what this supercar feels like.
To be honest, the cabin is a comfortable place to be.
First impression – super easy to drive, thanks in part to the suspension setup being tested on the 7-post rig at KW Automotive. It was easy to feel the limit of the car; the brakes were great and the tires came up to temperature quickly.
Putting down the power is smooth, and although I was running with the ESP on, the yellow light on the dash never illuminated.
It’s great being able to use the downforce of the aero package through the corners and feel the grip of the sticky tires.
Even double bends are easy to point through on throttle, and to be honest, due to the high level of grip on offer, I could have used more power. I was running on race mapping which results in 830hp, but does it sound sophisticated when I tell you I want more?
In case you agree with me, the makers of this beast do have a solution. The car can be ordered in a number of configurations: 1010hp (supercharger), 1500hp (supercharger hybrid) or 2000hp (turbo/hybrid).
Hybrid, yes; intially that’s what all this project was about. The R8 offers the perfect base to add a hybrid unit to the front while the conventional combustion engine remains in the back.
I can only imagine how this car would perform with another 500hp of electric power added to the front axle.
I really hope this is not my last meeting with this beauty. I’m looking forward to seeing it again, and wouldn’t be averse to doing a lap with even more power in the back (and the front).
Driver’s EyeHopefully I was able to relay some of my feelings to you guys, but in case you still would like to know how it is to sit in the car and push the throttle, I’m happy to share my view from the driver’s seat in the video above.
Michael Grassl
Instagram: speedhunters_michael
michael@speedhunters.com
Photos by Alok Paleri
Instagram: turbanoutlaw
alok@speedhunters.com
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