Here's a sentence we've all wanted to read for a while: "The Radford Lotus Type 62-2 has successfully completed the final phases of pre-production testing." Everything is on schedule, it seems, for the Q2 2022 deliveries of the 600hp sports car - the next time we see one might be in fully fledged production form. And doesn't it look great on the Hethel test track?
Radford has also chosen now to issue performance data for the 62-2. As expected from a car weighing less than a tonne dry and packing 600hp (in JPS spec), the Radford is seriously quick: even with the six-speed manual, 0-62mph in less than three seconds is claimed, with 124mph coming up in 8.4 seconds. The forecast top speed is 186mph.
Now, it wouldn't be a Radford release without Jenson Button making an appearance, but given his apparently central role in Type 62-2 dynamic development it seems worth hearing from the 2009 F1 champ. He said of the Hethel drive: "The car felt great, well balanced in high and low-speed corners and ran faultlessly all day which is the perfect base for the months of setup tweaking that will follow for me. We want to ensure that this car is a pure driver's car that pays both due respects to the DNA of Lotus but also delivers the luxury of a Radford."
Of course we'd always like a little more detail, but that feedback at least augurs well for the finished product. And even if Radford might not appreciate the comparison, think of an Exige with more power, less weight and racier suspension - it's going to be pretty awesome.
The next step will be those setup tweaks mentioned by Button; the styling, spec, and interior are all confirmed now. It looks like 62 buyers are in for something pretty special come next year. And there's still time to register your interest...
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