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Created for both road and track use, the Hulme CanAm shares much with a Formula 1 racing car. Photo Gallery
Two Australian buyers have already signed up for a chance to own an F1-inspired road-going supercar.
They are among just 20 lucky buyers globally who will be able to slide behind the wheel of the $515,000 Hulme CanAm.
The cars are being built by Auckland-based developer-manufacturer, Hulme Supercars, with delivers expected to start late next year. Hulme managing director, Jack "Jock" Freemantle, says the two Australians are among many global enthusiasts who want the car.
"As far as interests goes, it is from everywhere," he says. "As far as potential buyers, they will probably be from the Middle East, Europe and China." However, Freemantle says it's early days. "We have only just gone on the market," he says. Freemantle is confident the CanAm will be a sellout and expects it to have few rivals. "It will be built to the Pagani Zonda quality," he says.
So far Hulme has built one test car - Bear 1 - and has started building its second test and homologation car. The hand-built CanAm will be the only production road car to bear the name of F1 World Champion, Denny Hulme. Created for both road and track use, the car shares much with a Formula 1 racing car. It has an ultra-lightweight carbon composite tub and bodywork, and race-orientated chassis, suspension and braking.
Performance is guaranteed courtesy of a General Motors 7.0-litre V8. The 448kW/600Nm eight-cylinder will be mated to a close-ratio, six-speed CIMA manual gearbox or six-speed automatic. The light-weight two-seater tips the scales at 980kg, slightly more than a Suzuki Alto. This combination promises a sub-3.5-second sprint to 100kmh, and top speed of more than 300km/h.
Despite its race car credentials, Freemantle says the car has been designed and developed to as comfortable on the road as the track. Prospective buyers will be able to fly to New Zealand business class to finalise the fitting and check it out on the road before the car is shipped to its destination. All cars will be numbered and owners will get a full dossier of the car's manufacture, including photos.
The CanAm concept, in coupe form, was first shown at the 2006 Goodwood Festival of Speed. Because of the interest in the car Hulme conducted extensive research to assess demand. Freemantle opted for an open-top version to celebrate Hulme's victories of the Can Am Championship in 1968 and 1970. For Denny's widow Greeta the CanAm is a fitting tribute to her late husband. "Jock's desire to honour Denny's life with this unique car has been matched by his irrepressible enthusiasm and passion to create it," she says.
