Pilbeam Racing's latest project with RS Performance was launched in January 2009 at the Autosport International Racing Car Show at the Birmingham NEC. photo by Rick Wilson, copyright © www.sportandspeed.com Based on the proven Lotus Exige, the RSW Evo features an extensive development and is an 'ultimate' GT car for use as a track car but also reasible for the road with in excess of 520bhp available from a small, light 2.4 litre V8. This car will also shortly be available with the new lightweight V Master 2.3 litre V6 engine currently under development at RS Performance which will produce up to 600bhp, the extra power being achieved by running a higher boost. photo by Rick Wilson, copyright © www.sportandspeed.com Pilbeam Racing is proud to have been involved very heavily in the re-engineering of the chassis and bodywork. Effectively removing the entire rear end of the original car and designing a bespoke tubular spaceframe to mount the incredible new RS Performance supercharged V6 (or V8 if preferred), this lengthens the wheelbase of the car by 230mm. New longer and wider bodywork was designed and fabricated, together with a new wider front "clamshell" to match. Our race-proven Elise/Exige suspension replacement upgrades were also incorporated. photo by Rick Wilson, copyright © www.sportandspeed.com Features of the RSW Evo: The RS Performance supercharged V8 or V6 is mounted longitudinally mated to a Sadev 6-speed sequential racing transaxle gearbox with limited slip differential taking the 380lb ft torque giving ideal handling balance for racing or road use. Twinned with a Pectel full data logging SQ6 ECU, RS Performance are able to offer a pneumatic paddle shift system for instant gear changes, ensuring the engine is never over-revved, therefore prolonging the engine life. Control of roll centre, camber change and bump steer are all carefully calculated and measured during production. The car offers a substantial weight saving over the standard car giving an even greater power to weight ratio and has both launch and traction control to ensure power transference. photo by Rick Wilson, copyright © www.sportandspeed.com Front Suspension: Lightweight double wishbones are designed to give perfect handling in either race or road format with an option to set higher ground clearance if required. Koni dampers are specified from previous test data to optimise handling and roadholding. An adjustable hollow front anti-roll bar is fitted to give desired balance at minimum weight. photo by Rick Wilson, copyright © www.sportandspeed.com Rear Suspension: The wide track rear suspension is designed to cope with the high power output, increasing traction. Long double wishbones are both light and stiff, and carry Koni dampers with valving optimised for the best possible handling. Again there is the option of using a higher ground clearance if so required. An adjustable hollow rear anti-roll bar is fitted to give desired balance at minimum weight. photo by Rick Wilson, copyright © www.sportandspeed.com Chassis: The chassis is a light, stiff combination of aluminium and steel structures designed by experts drawing on a long history of designing a wide range of race cars to result in good driver-friendly handling. Dimensions: Wheelbase = 2350mm (extended from standard by 230mm) Overall Width = 1886mm Front Track = 1444mm Rear Track = 1570mm photo by Rick Wilson, copyright © www.sportandspeed.com Other Features: The engine and gearbox are placed very low in the chassis to further improve handling. This ensures the tyres give their best possible performance during cornering, braking and accelerating. Sadev SL90-20 six-speed sequential gearbox with LSD and hydraulic clutch. Output: 108mm lobro joints with Sadev specific driveshafts. Ratios fitted: 1st - 10/36, 2nd - 14/35, 3rd - 14/27, 4th - 16/25, 5th - 22/29, 6th - 22/25. Final Drive - 10/31, geared for 207.5mph. Race grade brake discs of 315mm front and 295mm rear, together with 4-pot AP Racing calipers, give incredible braking, essential with the power available from the supercharged V8 or V6. New CNC anodised aluminium uprights are used with a high capacity wheel bearing. Driveshafts and constant velocity joints use the best current racing technology. Image wheels with centre wheel nut for fast pitstops. Options Include: Paddle Shift Full Carbon Body Air Jacks Inboard Brake Adjustment Ohlins or Nitron Suspension Full Roll Cage to FIA specification ATL FIA-approved bag fuel-tank Every car is built individually for the owner and may be tailored to each customer's needs whether to add a full carbon body to compliment the carbon door trims, tunnel and instrument binnacle, to have the car with their own branding or paint scheme customised trim and cover.