Supercars.net

A couple months ago, Supercars.net announced the details of a new supercar being built in Auckland, New Zealand. The idea for a Kiwi-made supercar first came to Auckland entrepreneur Jock Freemantle who has been developing the Hulme F1, leading up to its recent release at Wellington's university.

Our story begins in 1967. This was the fifth season Jack Brabham was contesting the Formula One season with cars bearing his own name. His number two driver was Denny Hulme, a New Zealander with a keen devotion to racing. Denny beat his boss by five points that season, and, as a highlight of his career, became the 1967 World Champion.

It is Denny's success which has motivated Supercars New Zealand Limited to make product in his honor. Since the onset of the project, the concept of the Hulme supercar has been a mid engine design with a high-tech power train and chassis. Now that most of the suppliers have been selected, we can tell you that the car will feature a modified BMW M5 engine and AP Racing Transaxle, wrapped in a carbon fiber body.

Coordinating the design team is Tony Parker, Associate Professor and head of the Industrial Design department at Massey University. ''New Zealand has established a reputation for building the best yachts in the world. I believe we also have the technical capabilities and the industrial infrastructure to create a quality, hand built performance car,'' says Parker.

Based off a quarter scale clay model, early sketches by Parker reveal a design language usually reserved for Formula One. While the coveted Enzo might have the F1 nose, the Hulme supercar takes the theme even further with its half-body, open front tires, exposed suspension and four inch clearance. It seems the only 'Formula' items missing from the equation, are the barge boards and rear winglets.

Supercars Limited plans to produce a number of cars for crash testing, with production to start in 2006. A price has not yet been set, but it is expected to sell for somewhere between $400,000 and $600,000.

Written by Richard Owen for Supercars.net