Lightweight and Focus RS-engined production Avatar officially unveiled

Boutique British sports car company, Avatar has taken the wraps off its first production model which is set to grace the stands at the 2017 Performance Car Show, held at the Birmingham NEC on 12-15^th January 2017.

Now fully certified, the Devon-based firm has developed the prototype, making over 100 refinements to offer a 184kW sports car that is now said to be equally at home on road or track.

The 695kg Avatar is propelled by a Ford EcoBoost engine, Nitron dampers and Rota wheels that deliver 0-60mph (0-96km/h) in four seconds and a top speed of 145mph (233km/h) and adds a leather interior, heated screen together with other features to broaden the appeal. New no-cost options now include an Apple CarPlay + Android Auto audio system, roof, heater and air conditioning.

“After showing the prototype we realised that our customers wanted more. We listened and have responded to our customers who loved the superb performance and fine handling but wanted more refinement and features so they could use the car for more than just track days,” says Avatar Sports Cars director Dylan Popovic.

“We’ve smoothed the raw edges to create a much more rounded package. We’ve changed the suspension geometry, adjusted the steering rack ratios and improved the ergonomics in the cabin with intuitive switchgear as well as developed features that make the car a delight on the road and track.”

Alongside the 2.0 turbocharged EcoBoost engine, Avatar is also offering a 2.3l 257kW option that sees 0-60 times cut to just 3.6 seconds with the Ford Focus RS-engined derivative using a six-speed transaxle. Drivers seeking a more frenetic shifting experience can opt for a paddle-shift operated seven-speed sequential Quaife gearbox.

The car features laser-cut spaceframe chassis and composite bodywork, alongside the offset driving position that improves weight distribution. The option for a pure track experience hasn’t been forgotten and customers can specify a full roll cage, plumbed-in extinguisher, foam-filled tank, data logger, GoPro HD camera kit, rear wing and LSD. “With these additions the car is eligible for a considerable number of club championships whilst still be road legal,” adds Popovic.

Avatar says the company can tailor each car to each individual customer’s requirement: “We offer a bespoke service where the only real limit is imagination.”

Avatar’s sister company Marlin is manufacturing the production models, of which no more than 50 will be built. Whilst still a small company, Avatar is matching its bigger competitors with an unlimited mileage, three-year warranty and the reassurance the Ford engine can be serviced at any Ford dealer.

Production begins in spring 2017 and prices start at £39,990 in the U.K.