MF1 to have 1500hp

[mv]

Another update has emerged. This time really worth reading.

As first announced in our June 27 update, two distinct models are being developed on the common MF1 engineering base, with the same gas turbine engine mounted longitudinally in a central position ahead of the rear wheels. Overall production is always set at 199 units, comprising both models without any predetermined limit for each one of them.

Among other features, a centrally mounted steering rack enabling either left or right-hand selectable drive is specified for both MF1 models one of which is a rear-wheel-drive two-seater while the other is an all-wheel-drive three-seater. In particular the three-seater MF1 has a 2+1 configuration with the third seat located in the middle behind the two front seats. When not in use the third seat can be folded providing extra luggage space that is accessible through a rear hatch. Rather than a 2+2 of nominal utility it has instead been decided on a spacious 3-seat interior, which in addition to covering virtually most real-life occupancy situations notably helps preserve a particularly effective aerodynamic shape. By the way, it should be noted that the option of armoured protection will be available only for the all-wheel-drive three-seater MF1.

Concerning our sales policy, the establishment of a preliminary list is under way with chassis numbers being provisionally assigned to prospective customers. This preliminary list is indeed essential, as it is the tangible indication of the potential interest for such an innovative supercar among the pertinent niche of the international buying public.

In fact, no deposits will be collected unless overall interest proves at least sufficient to justify the substantial investment required for the final development and production of the MF1. Consequently the final development phase will begin when the overall number of reservations reaches a set minimum point, while precise details of the project would remain essentially undisclosed in order to preserve its validity and its chances to succeed in due course.

As previously stated, units of the MF1 (either rwd or awd) that will be reserved "in principle" in the immediate future, along with those units that have already been spoken for, exceptionally benefit from a frozen price of €575 000. After the 1st of October 2005 only the regular price of €675 000 will apply, subject to increase.

Both the RWD and the AWD MF1 models have a power/weight ratio of 1 kg/hp - 1 000 hp/ton or better, as well as a target speed of 430 km/h - 270 mph or more. These supercars will indeed provide the private-jet experience on four wheels and inevitably become the supreme transport devices on land.

The Williams FJ33 fanjet-derived turboshaft gas turbine engine weighs approximately 135 kg or 300 lbs and produces 1 500 shp (shaft horsepower) incidentally being the lightest, most compact, most powerful and most fuel-efficient engine in its class. The low-centre-of-gravity related benefits for packaging, handling and road holding are quite obvious and need no further elucidation.

As already stated the level of maximum available power is at any time selectable by the driver. Therefore, with performance knowingly varying between pleasantly brisk and terrifyingly violent, kept in check by (selectable) traction and stability control as well as by limited-slip differential(s), one need not worry about the MF1 ever being unpredictable. Nevertheless, with such a powerful machine, one's ability should never be overestimated either.

Elaborating on the subject of practicality it should be noted that the MF1 would offer an unprecedented care-free ownership experience with maintenance of the Williams engine being essentially limited to just oil changes. Not even periodical tune-ups are foreseen. Regarding noise emission at least two different options will be offered to clients - ranging from effectively "stealth" motoring to the distinctive, full jet sound-effect. In any case, the MF1 will easily comply with all road regulations.