This is the new Jetstream SC250, a Cornwall-based newcomer to Britain’s low-volume sportscar industry – and arguably the most eye-wateringly ugly car we’ve seen in a very long time. The lightweight two-seater is powered by Vauxhall’s turbo 2.0-litre unit – lifted from the Astra VXR – and it’s priced at £29,495.
Well. I’m stunned. I can’t believe that someone at Jetstream actually stood back from the drawing board and said: ‘Yes! That’s beautiful – let’s build it!’
Err, yes – we also feel the SC250’s looks might be a bit of a stumbling block to someone about to flash the best part of £30k on a track-based racer. But look beyond its distinctive looks, and the SC250 has all the right ingredients. The VXR-sourced powerplant is not short of poke – there’s 250bhp at 5600rpm and 236lb ft that kicks in at 2400rpm – and an aluminium monocoque chassis and composite body mean the Jetstream weighs in at a usefully light 700kg.
Well, I hope it’s fast because I wouldn’t want anyone to see me in it!
We’ll let the company explain its outlandish looks. ‘The revolutionary look of the car is as functional as it is striking,’ says the Jetstream blurb. ‘It was created to be as aerodynamic as possible to balance grip, traction and straight-line speed, with the radical hard edges and flat surfaces making the SC250 stand out strongly against its rivals.’
The company claims the SC250 will hit 60mph in less than four seconds and top out at 165mph – and it follows the standard track car set-up. The engine (with two ECU settings for track and road use) is mid-mounted, there are unequal length wishbones at each corner, inboard front spring and dampers, and a beefy Tilton brake system with 285mm front and 278mm rear brake discs. The wheels, 16-inchers up front and bigger 17s at the rear, are shod in sticky Toyo Proxes rubber.
I’m sorry, but you have yet to convince me. Who is going to buy it, when its rivals are so talented?
That’s a very good question. At £29,495, the SC250 faces some hugely effective competition. Thirty grand these days will put some serious hardware on your driveway – the Lotus Elise R and 2 Eleven, the Caterham R400 and the Ariel Atom are all around the same money. Which might explain why Jetstream plans to build just 50 cars over the next 12 months, with a 300bhp version due out early in 2009.
Something truly different for the right or the wrong reasons – let us know your thoughts…
