Michael Satterfield
by Michael Satterfield
If your idea of a good time mixes 638 horsepower, an aluminum monocoque structure, and a 222-mph top speed, then you may want to give Rapier Automotive a call. Their new SL-C kit car is right up your alley.
The $179,000 turnkey kit car takes a body produced by Race Car Replicas, but adds some serious Corvette-sourced horsepower. “Base” cars are fitted with the 480-horsepower, 6.2-liter LS3 V-8. If that’s not enough, you can step up to the 505-horsepower, 7.0-liter LS7 V-8, which normally powers the Z06. In its top form, however, the SL-C uses the supercharged 638-horse, 6.2-liter LS9 V-8 built for the Corvette ZR1. The transmission, a six-speed manual from Ricardo, routes power to the rear wheels. Brake rotors measure 13 inches front and 11.8 inches at rear with six-piston calipers on both ends, and Rapier puts the curb weight at 2375 pounds. The suspension consists of pushrod-actuated coil-over shocks front and rear.
Results? With the LS7, Rapier’s performance claims include 3.2-second 0-to-60 mph acceleration and a 10.6-second quarter mile time. Top speed is 222 mph. We don’t have figures for a car with the LS9, but rest assured it will undoubtedly reach ludicrous speed.
Boston-based Rapier, named after the thin, pointy swords used in fencing, takes roughly nine months to build the SL-C after a customer has placed a 50 percent deposit. After placing an order, Rapier builds the SL-C around the customer’s dimensions, adjusting floor level, headroom clearance, steering and pedal position, and seat size.
[Source: Rapier Automotive]
