Basics
The vehicle features a lightweight, but super-stiff steel space-frame chassis. The result is a space-frame structure, which is remarkably rigid, yet respectably light helping to give the Scorpion IV its trademark supple and well-controlled ride, precise handling and exceptional road-holding abilities.
The front suspension is a development of the technology used on the Scorpion III; double wishbones in oval tubing with inboard coil springs over custom built Harvey Bailley dampers. At the rear; long super stiff longitudinal links which give superb handling and camber control without compromising the vehicle's distinctive styling.
Exhaustive trials of possible powertrains included Rover K-series, Honda VTEC and Fiat 20v turbo - all fine units. Indeed, had it not been for protracted supply problems following the merger of General Motors' European engine manufacturing interests with those of Fiat, we might have gone with the Fiat unit. Eventually however, we signed an exclusive OEM supply deal with a premium German manufacturer for an even better drivetrain - a lightweight, 250 bhp plus, 20v turbo unit and a slick six-speed transaxle.
In the meantime, we took advantage of the extra time needed to source alternative motive power to continue to develop and refine the car.
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