View Full Version : Hellcat: Engine Expert Melling Turns Automaker With V10 Beast


Overclocker
05-27-06, 02:33 PM
http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/il/news/2006/0526/hellcat.500.jpg

ROCHDALE, England — British engine specialist Al Melling has developed a new British supercar, the Melling Hellcat, and it'll be built in the U.S. by tuning specialist Roush Industries.

Melling, who designed engines that power Lola and TVR cars, says the Hellcat is the pinnacle of his career. "It's the car I've been working towards all my life," he said.

The prototype Hellcat is now in its final production stage in Melling's factory near Manchester in Northwest England. It's capable of speeds in excess of 200 mph and travels from zero to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds, thanks to Melling's own 700-horsepower 6.0-liter V10 engine.

It's not a luxury car. Hellcat is more of a stripped-out racer, and Melling intends to race it at Le Mans next year. It's a front-engine, rear-drive coupe with a carbon-fiber monocoque body and chassis, with all-independent wishbone suspension.

The U.K. price is around $180,000, though production in the U.S. by Roush — at an ambitious rate of 100 cars a month — will bring the price down. U.K. production will be four cars a month.

What this means to you: Yet another Brit supercar — but this one should be affordable, and built specifically with U.S. demands in mind.

Source: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=115538#2

Mwmorph
05-27-06, 03:21 PM
wow, a bargin. Faster than any car 0-60, full CF body, as cheap as the much slower Ford GT.

Road legal?

I'd give tihs and the Mosler Mt900 Photon serious consideration if I were in the market for a racecar.

diablo1
05-27-06, 05:21 PM
They're seriously making 100 a month? That seems like a lot for this type of car...

Lexmex
05-27-06, 06:59 PM
I wish them luck and hope this thing sells really well. I am always amazed at the English manufacturers and the incredible designs and concepts they come up with.

Lexwang07
05-27-06, 09:08 PM
I never hear company Melling! Just looks isn't cool other supercars. There are something weird about Melling. It built 100 cars per month! Low productions supercar!

PhilipMSPT
05-27-06, 11:01 PM
I think 1200 cars a year may be a bit too much for such a car. You'll find a lot of enthusiasts but only a few buyers, especially with a low key brand such as Melling.

Side note: I wonder how much insurance would be for a car like this?

TheRupp
05-28-06, 11:04 AM
I think 1200 cars a year may be a bit too much for such a car. You'll find a lot of enthusiasts but only a few buyers, especially with a low key brand such as Melling.

Side note: I wonder how much insurance would be for a car like this?

Probably pretty high since I don't even know where I'd take it for a brake job or an oil change, let alone a body repair.

Carbon~IS
02-20-07, 12:41 AM
This car got featured in this week's top gear.

6L Quad-Turbo V10 with 1175 BHP. Top speed of 270mph.

Carbon~IS
02-20-07, 12:45 AM
The clip:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YZ4RbwSYgw
(3:04)