Connaught hits the road

The dream has finally become a reality for specialist car builder Connaught, as these exclusive pictures show

Auto Express Car Reviews

Type D Syracuse snared on test for the first time

By Dan Strong

11th June 2007

A year after Auto Express handed the firm an award for its efforts at our annual New Car Honours, our spies spotted its first road-legal prototype being put through its paces.

Caught near Connaught's South Wales headquarters, this Type D Syracuse GT is powered by the company's home-built 2.0-litre V10. The 2+2 four-seater coupé - which offers 300bhp, a 0-60mph sprint time of less than five seconds and a 170mph top speed - is being performance tested at the Pembrey racing circuit.

The model has a cut steel chassis and aluminium body to keep weight to a minimum. Yet despite being relatively light, Connaught predicts that the tough design and energy absorbing crash structureswill give the car a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.

Estimated to cost around £35,000, the Type D has a six-speed automatic gearbox and is capable of returning around 22mpg. A hybrid variant is under development, aiming to offer improved fuel economy. Standard equipment includes climate control, keyless entry and touchscreen panels for the car's satellite navigation and Bluetooth phone connectivity systems. All models will get 19-inch wheels and AP racing brakes. First deliveries are due early next year, and Connaught says it has taken deposits on the majority of the initial 100 cars scheduled for production.