Spire GT-R/GT-3:CKC Guide 2009
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Spire GT-R/GT-3
SPIRE SPORTSCARS’ GT-R has made a name for itself winning the 750 Motor Club’s RGB Championship. The car has a multi-tubular spaceframe chassis and a mid-engined layout which can accommodate a variety of car engines and almost any water-cooled motorcycle unit. Running gear comes from the Ford Sierra and Spire can build cars in either left or right hand drive. The Le Mans inspired five-piece bodywork has been visually tweaked and the changes have resulted in a markedly better looking car. IVA has been taken into consideration too, so getting the car road legal is easy. And what a sight it makes as a road car! But it’s on the track where the car is really at home. It has confidence inspiring grip and terrific handling. Discs all round also ensure that it has stopping power to match. With an all-up wieight of just 500kg (in bike engined form), the GT-R boasts supercar performance figures. It will crack 150mph and reach 60mph from rest in under four seconds. There’s no doubt about it, the Spire has the performance to back up its race car looks. In 2011, Spire launched the GT-3. More specialised and hardcore than the GT-R, it’s offered only for track day and race use. Passenger space is limited thanks to smaller overall dimensions, while the chassis is made from CDS tube and the chassis is fully rose-jointed. It uses a chain-driven motorcycle engine and, like the GT-R, it already has competition success under its belt. In its debut season, the car won five out of 14 races entered and achieved a podium result in every one.
SPECIFICATION CHASSIS: Multi-tubular spadeframe. BODYWORK: Five-piece GRP body supplied in a matt gelcoat ready for painting. Front and rear sections are hinged. DONOR CAR: Ford Sierra uprights, rear hubs and steering column. ENGINE OPTIONS: Motorcycle – Kawasaki ZX12R, ZX14R, Suzuki Hayabusa, Honda Fireblade, Blackbird, Yamaha R1. Car – Ford Zetec, Duratec, Audi 1.8, Renault 21, Toyota MR2, Subaru Impreza. SUSPENSION: Double unequal length wishbones, fabricated rear hub carriers, coil-over dampers. STEERING: Ford Escort rack, Sierra column. BRAKES: Standard Sierra or lightweight aftermarket alloy. KIT PRICE: Body/chassis kit £3000 plus VAT. BUDGET BUILD COST: From £8500 (car engine) or from £9500 (bike engine). All pricing for the GT-R, price of GT-3 on application.
SUMMARY – The Spire GT-R has evolved to become a highly capable performer with racing pedigree to back it up. The new, more specialised, GT-3 has built upon that success.
Spire Sportscars, Unit 1A Stonebroom Industrial Estate, Alfreton DE55 6LQ T: 01773 874694 or 07836 355785 E: spireplant@aol.com W: www.spiresportscars.co.uk
ENCYCLOPEDIA of KIT CARS 2012
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www.completekitcar.co.uk