The 2006 Ascari A10

 

British Top Gear's Formerly Fastest Car After the Maserati MC12

 

 

 

     Have you ever wanted a powerful and sophisticated British hypercar with an Italian look to it? If so you should take a look at the Ascari A10 which managed to make it to the top of the lap board on British Top Gear beating the previous champion, the Maserati MC12, with a time of 1.17.3.

     The Ascari A10 is a rear mid-engine rear-wheel drive hypercar equipped with a German BMW 5 liter V8 S62 that's been modified and delivers 625 hp at 7,500 rpm. This is assisted by a 6-speed manual gearbox and standard manual transmission. Top speed is a whopping 220 mph and gets to sixty in 2.8 seconds. The engine displaces 4,941 cc.

     Like its predecessor the KZ1 it has a carbon chassis and its bodywork and suspension are racing derived. The A10 includes a fire suppression system as well. The A10 weighs a total of 2,882 lbs. The reason for this light weight is because the sound proofing, air conditioning, and stereo system have been removed which doesn't make me happy. Unless you want these features the A10 is not for you.

     The A10 uses very grippy Michelin ZR 18 tires in both the front and rear. The A10 also features lightweight racing seats, carbon fiber door panels, climate control to make up for the removal of the air conditioning, a remote central lock system, and electric windows.  

     The price for an Ascari A10 in the United States is $650,000.

     When Jeremy Clarkson tested this car on British Top Gear he compared it to the pathetic Daihatsu Copen saying that despite being a good car (yeah right) he'd choose the big, yellow, shouty car instead based on balance.