Ascari KZ1

Auto Express Car Reviews

Rating:
On the road price: £225,000 - £235,000
For : Rarity, race car brilliance, looks
Against : Only 50, price a slight barrier

A production run of just 50 cars shows just how special the Ascari KZ1 is. It's been in development since 2000 and, the company says, has stuck rigidly to racing principals and technology. The monocoque is carbon fibre, the BMW-derived 5.0-litre V8 engine mid-mounted and more than powerful enough; 500bhp means 200mph and 60mph in just 3.7 seconds. A six-speed manual gives the interaction racers love, while it's said to be sublime through the corners.

Owners are given ample opportunity to find out - buy a KZ1 and you also get access to the company's purpose-built test track in Spain, which has dozens of corners modelled on the most famous bends in the world. A little Brands Hatch here, a little Suzuka there. It's jaw-dropping. The car's cabin is almost as impressive, with polished aluminium setting off bespoke trims. Whatever you want, they can accommodate. All this, for £235,000. By supercar standards, that's almost a bargain.