Lotus Type 62/2 by Radford unveiled in range-topping John Player Special form
Long-standing Italian coachbuild brands like Touring Carrozzeria and Zagato were joined by the return of one of Britain’s most auspicious
historical players last month, with the relaunch of Radford causing waves with
a new sports model developed in partnership with Lotus. Only a
month after its debut at The Quail, the Type 62/2 John Player Special has been
unveiled as the third and most extreme variant in the lineup, and is set to
make an appearance at Goodwood Revival later this month.
The Lotus Type 62/2 coachbuilt by Radford as it’s officially known, is
as its name suggests a Lotus-derived sports car with a bespoke body sat on top.
This partnership has defined the Type 62/2’s construction that like all
(series-production) Lotus models is constructed from bonded and riveted
aluminium. Precisely which Lotus model the Type 62/2 has borrowed from is still
unknown, but the distinct fundamental proportions suggest it’s gone through
quite a transformation from the current Lotus range. To help facilitate this
change of proportions, the Radford has designed its own rear subframe from
tubular aluminium, creating that extended rear deck, but the biggest difference
to usual Lotus models is a bespoke carbonfibre roof, windscreen and firewall
structure that partially makes up the passenger cell.
The bodywork’s skin is also constructed from a carbonfibre composite,
which is both lighter than aluminium, and more flexible in manufacturing when
built in such limited numbers. The composite is utilised across the front
clamshell, roof, wings and doors complete with GT40-like roof cutouts. At just 1153mm tall, the Radford’s waist-height
stance will likely result in a snug cabin, but at this point only the exterior
has been visualised.
This combination should yield impressive results on the scales, with
Radford forecasting that in competition specification, the Type 62/2 will weigh
around 1000kg dry, making it substantially lighter than the new Emira, and more closely matched to the V6-powered Exige S. There are now
three variants of the Type 62/2, with a road-biased base car, the middling
‘Gold Leaf’ model and range-topping John Player Special.
Just 12 of the 62 cars will
be built in JPS specification, paying homage to both the 1960s original and a
number of other iconic racers of the ages. Sitting alongside the ordinary Classic
and Gold Leaf cars, it features more than just a new paint job.
JPS 600bhp. JPS models develop their extra power from the use of
reinforced pistons, conrods and camshafts, joined by a larger supercharger,
resulting in the quoted 600bhp output.
The engine itself is the same Toyota-derived unit that’s been found in
Lotus models since the original Evora, and powers the rear wheels exclusively through either a six-speed
manual or seven-speed dual-clutch. Radford has not specified where the
dual-clutch transmission will be supplied from – this is an unusual inclusion
as currently there’s no V6 and dual-clutch combination available within the
Lotus range, as the Emira’s V6 is only available with a torque-converter, its
new dual-clutch is coming later with the AMG-sourced four-cylinder.
The JPS also features
bespoke bodywork in comparison to the lesser cars, reworked to signal its rise
in performance, with the front splitter and rear diffuser enlarged for improved
downforce and the intakes resculpted to help keep that upgraded V6 cool.
All models run a staggered wheel and tyre package, with base versions
running 17- and 18-inch, and the two models above it running bigger 18- and
19-inch options. JPS models will run on Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres,
lighter 18- and 19-inch carbon composite wheels and AP Monobloc calipers acting
upon 360mm carbon ceramic rotors. The suspension design has not been confirmed,
but we suspect it’ll feature a similar setup to other Lotus models which run a
double wishbone setup at the front, running new adjustable coilovers with a
hydraulic nose-lift. The standard and Gold Leaf cars utilise 4-piston AP Racing
setup on the front axle, with the steering is totally unassisted.
No further detail as to the
car’s interior or pricing has yet been revealed, although Radford has confirmed
that there’ll be a total build run of just 62 units. But this poses a question.
With series production sports cars looking increasingly short of time, does
this low-volume coachbuild tradition actually look to be the future for the
internal combustion sports car? Whatever the case, expect to see more of this
sort of specialised low-volume in the coming years, with more companies like
Radford ready in waiting to capitalise on a new market less interested in
ultimate performance than driving something more bespoke.
Production is scheduled to begin in late 2021 with first deliveries commencing in 2022.
Source: Evo
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