British firm unveils two-door 'super Evo'

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Source: Auto Express



Take a look at the latest in a long line of British-designed bespoke sports cars, the X1. Penned by Birmingham engineering firm X Works Automotive, the new model follows on from a similar project from specialist tuning company Prodrive, the Subaru Impreza-based P2.

The X1 is modelled on a race-developed chassis and uses a 350bhp version of the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine from the Mitsubishi Evo performance saloon. Engineers have also developed an advanced carbon fibre construction for the passenger compartment, which makes the car as light as possible. Tipping the scales at only 1,180kg, the angular two-door weighs the same as a Volkswagen Polo.

As a result, straight-line performance will be staggering. Thrilling handling will also come as standard, with aluminium subframes used to ensure the X1 has a stiff suspension set-up. And if you want even more pace, there's a trackday conversion available, too.

This includes a 500bhp power upgrade and a stripped-out interior, which shaves a further 200kg from the X1's weight. To make the most of all that power, both variants come with four-wheel drive.

The company hopes production of the new model will begin before the end of the year, with a suggested target price of £45,000.
 
Not really nice to look at, I much preferred the design of that Prodrive P2.

however, nice to see another Brit car.
 
Sting
Not really nice to look at, I much preferred the design of that Prodrive P2.

however, nice to see another Brit car.
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I've seen far worst looking British Cars like the TR7, but I bet it will grow on you.
 
Sting
Yeah, but the TR7 was never a sportscar and is totally different to this.
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But remember in it's time, the speeds it had were sports car speeds, which may of been why a lot of TR7 owners say it's a sports car. Anyway I hope Top Gear review this.
 
I like the front, not tookeen on the rear lights. It's a bit quirky but I like quiky cars.
 
resembles a new Evo. wonder how much Lancer is under there. enough to send it to the U.S.?
 
I don't think it should be called an Evo in any way other than an evolution to Mitsubishi "parts."

The engine seems to be the most significant contribution from the Evo but just at a glance I would be willing to bet the "less important" parts like the headlights are also from the Evo.

That said, I still do not believe it should be called an Evo because of the difference in chassis and body panels.
I feel like this is more a case of someone building their own car and grabbing parts from another, not using a car and doing modifications.

I feel like using a new chassis and switching to a 2 door design the car becomes an original using pre-fab parts (more or less).
Great way to get a start in building cars if you ask me (as long as you can fabricate chassis and body panels well). 👍
 
It's called the XWA X1. As far as I'm aware the engine is the main thing carried over. Anything else is minor so it definitely classes as a new car in it's own right. It's built around a carbon tub chassis, they are very serious about making this thing fast on a track.
 
I honestly thought this was a Skyline when I first saw this thing. An R34 Skyline up front... only not as mean. Looks pretty nice, though. If this is how the retail model goes, I probably wouldn't want one right away. This thing looks to have some great potential. So out of 100% approval of this car, I'll be not as modest. I give it about 75% approval.
 
It's great in theory, but like so many recent English performance cars, I doubt it will see the light of day. It's a shame some of them don't work together. There appears to be a number of great ideas and great engineers in England, just not all in the same place. Instead of each company striking out on their own, they should group together and make a real go of it.
 

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