PRODRIVE has unveiled the P2, its unique two-seater sports car, which has gone from concept to reality in just nine months.
The P2 is a fully working car featuring Prodrive’s latest technology, which has been entirely designed, engineered and built by the motorsport and automotive specialist in the UK.
It was the idea of Prodrive chairman and chief executive, David Richards, who wanted to create something that used the skills of every part of the business and demonstrated the company’s capabilities.
He said: “What we created is a unique two-seater sports car, which has gone from concept to reality in just nine months and which is the perfect manifestation of what happens when our inspirational ideas combine with our innovative approach.”
The philosophy behind the design of the car was practical performance. Weighing just 1100 kg and with a power to weight ratio of more than 350 bhp/tonne, P2 is expected to reach 100 kph from standstill in under four seconds and carry on to 280 kph. Yet, despite the focus on weight reduction, the vehicle has all the comforts of any modern car, with a six speaker stereo system, power assisted steering and electric windows.
P2 uses a modified Subaru Impreza STi engine and all wheel drivetrain, which incorporate two of Prodrive’s innovative technologies to enhance performance – ALS (Anti-Lag System) and ATD (Active Torque Dynamics).
The ALS system fitted to the two-litre flat-four engine has been derived from the system which is currently used on the Prodrive-designed Subaru World Rally Car, but modified for use on the road. ALS can keep the turbo on boost at low engine speeds, giving the car immediate throttle response and improved performance by using more of the engine’s 575 Nm of torque throughout the rev range.
To use this power more effectively, Prodrive’s ATD system is fitted to the drivetrain. It uses ‘active’ centre and rear differentials to control the torque split between the front and rear of the car, and across the rear axle, to optimise the car’s handling characteristics. For example, should the car begin to understeer while on power, then more torque will be pushed to the rear wheels, while if it began to oversteer then drive is sent to the front of the car, creating balance in all situations.
Both the exterior and interior styling were created by Peter Stevens, who has worked with Prodrive on numerous road car and motorsport projects.
The P2 chassis was originally based on a Subaru R1 (a four seat mini car), which was completely reengineered to give P2 its coupe styling and to accommodate the new engine and drivetrain.
Prodrive’s chassis, engine and drivetrain, and electronics departments worked with its in-house manufacturing operation to produce the specialist parts and electronic systems needed for the P2, while a number of its partners provided additional technical expertise and specialist components, like wheels, brakes and lighting.
If you like the look of what is undoubtedly a ‘niche’ car, brace for the bad news. While the P2 is a fully working car, Prodrive itself currently has no plans to put it into volume production. However, should a vehicle manufacturer approach the company to do so, it is expected that it would have a retail price of approximately £40,000.
