MCT provides power behind ‘efficient’ supercar
Menard Competition Technologies Limited (MCT), one of the world’s leading advanced automotive organisations, is to provide complete engine building services to the Caparo T1 road car programme. The Caparo is a two seater car that exploits world-leading aerospace and motorsport technologies to provide the first ever 1000 horsepower per tonne road car project.
Designed by ex-McLaren men Ben Scott-Geddes and Graham Halstead, the car was unveiled at last year’s Monaco Grand Prix and with extensive utilisation of composite materials, weighs approximately 575kg and reaches 100 mph in less than five seconds. The Caparo development team also boasts Gordon Murray as director of advanced concepts.
Oxfordshire-based MCT will be responsible for the delivery of the Caparo V8, a brand new, 3.5 litre V8, normally-aspirated engine. The unit will run at up to 11,000 rpm and offers 585 bhp. It is envisaged that up to 50 vehicles will be made every year.
Low weight has been one of the driving principles behind the design of the chassis and engine in order to deliver both performance and fuel economy, as Caparo’s chief executive, Angad Paul, noted:
“The automotive industry needs to exploit lightweight technology more. By reducing weight, we improve fuel performance and therefore cut down on carbon emissions. With the Caparo T1, we’re showing that we can do this, while delivering superlative performance. MCT will play a crucial part in making this happen.”
Charlie Bamber, managing director of MCT, is thrilled to be involved with the Caparo programme and said: “The Caparo is a fascinating concept and one that we at MCT are committed to, passionately. It is a showcase for some of the finest advanced automotive talent in the world on a full production vehicle and we are looking forward to a long and fruitful partnership with the team at Caparo.”
Ends. For more information, please contact Richard Postins or St John White at Prova on 01926 776900.
Notes to editors:
Menard Competition Technologies Limited (MCT) is based at Leafield Technical Centre, near Witney, Oxfordshire and offers bespoke solutions to the motorsport, advanced automotive and aerospace sectors. Its United States facility is based in Indianapolis.
Leafield Technical Centre includes other advanced automotive organisations, including the Super Aguri F1 team.
Expertise includes total engine design, development and manufacturing capabilities, chassis build and development, gearbox dynamometer, a complete composites department, as well as total project management and track support.
MCT’s customers include leading teams and manufacturers from NASCAR, international sports car series and a number of European and North American single seater championships.
MCT has in excess of thirty year’s experience at the pinnacle of the world motorsport industry. Its management team boasts championship success across F1, sportscars, touring cars, IRL, CART and NASCAR.
