(October 30, 2019) A series of single-seater track cars built in New Zealand, with the performance to rival modern era Grand Prix cars, has been released for sale by emerging high-technology manufacturer, Rodin Cars.

Powered by the Cosworth GPV8, which is based on the Cosworth XG that earned its stripes in the Indy Racing League circuit, the new Rodin FZED will deliver 675 bhp at 9,600 rpm. Peak torque is 361 foot-pounds at 7,600 rpm, while the redline is 10,000 rpm.

The Rodin FZED can accelerate to 100 mph in just 5.0 seconds and boasts a top speed of 186 mph. The entire car weighs just 1,342 pounds, excluding the driver.

The Rodin FZED has been readied for sale by Rodin Cars’ Australian founder and Ferrari Challenge class champion, David Dicker.

Rodin Cars has its own test track and R&D facility in New Zealand, where Dicker and his team have optimized the performance and handling of the Rodin FZED from the Lotus T125 offering from which it is based.

The Rodin FZED creates a new category in the high-performance open-wheeler track market, as a brand-new track racer with the ability to lap at very close to Formula 1 times. The Rodin FZED uses a carbon fibre composite chassis and aero package made in Italy by HP Composites, suppliers to European manufacturers and race teams, while its floor features an Indy car style tunnel, rather than the flat floors used in Grand Prix racing.

The 3.8-liter, 32-valve Cosworth engine mates to a six-speed sequential gearbox from Ricardo, while the carbon-carbon brakes are by Alcon.The high-level four-way adjustable TTX-40 racing dampers are from Öhlins.

The exhaust and muffler system were designed by Rodin Cars and developed in-house from 3D-printed titanium and features a titanium nitride Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coating.

The Rodin FZED uses 13-inch diameter magnesium wheels from Italy’s OZ Racing shod with tires from specialist British motorsport supplier Avon.

The car has been fettled and finished by Rodin Cars’ team of talented engineers, who have fabricated many parts from exotic materials at the company’s bespoke facility.

Featuring one of the most diverse collections of 3D printers in the Southern Hemisphere, Rodin Cars has had the capability to design and print many components in-house. Rodin Cars design and manufacture all fasteners for the Rodin FZED, which start as titanium bar stock and feature rolled threads and PVD surface coating with individual laser-marked part numbers.

The titanium 3D-printed steering wheel for the Rodin FZED has also been designed in-house, as have the composite seats, which will be custom fitted for each owner and paired with FIA-approved seatbelts.

The collection of state-of-the-art machinery is also enabling Rodin Cars to develop its own 3D-printed titanium/carbon wheels for the next generation Rodin FZED which will aim to reduce the weight of the standard magnesium wheel by 25 per cent.

The first five Rodin FZED vehicles are currently being assembled. All five will be painted in black and gold in-line with Rodin Cars’ corporate identity, although customers can specify their own body paint finish on request. Dicker plans to sell the Rodin FZED to experienced drivers who relish the opportunity for a near-F1 experience, without the cost, complexity and risk of owning an actual historic Grand Prix car.

Unlike Grand Prix racers, the Rodin FZED has been engineered for longevity and durability, with the engine designed to run more than 3,100 miles on 98-octane pump fuel.

The cars will be eligible for entry into the Formula Libre series in its home country of New Zealand and have also been accepted into the field of the prestigious BOSS series in Europe. It is anticipated that the Rodin FZED will be eligible for amateur open-wheel racing anywhere in the world.

The Rodin FZED will start at $650,000, which, Rodin says, is very competitive compared to new GT3 race cars.