Sports Car Forum - MotorWorld.net

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Our story begins in 1967. This was the fifth season Jack Brabham was contesting the Formula One season with cars bearing his own name. His number two driver was Denny Hulme, a New Zealander with a keen devotion to racing. Denny beat his boss by five points that season, and, as a highlight of his career, became the 1967 World Champion.

After conquering Formula racing, Denny moved on to team up with fellow New Zealander Bruce McLaren. Together they raced Canadian-American (Can-Am) cars with great success, dominating the series for most of its life (1966 to 1972).

''Forty years ago He [Hulme] and Bruce McLaren, the New Zealander who started the McLaren F1 team, were driving forces in international motor racing,'' says Supercars Ltd spokesman and Managing Director Jock Freemantle.

A tribute to Denny Hulme

It is Denny's success which has motivated Supercars New Zealand Limited to make product in his honor. For the last two years the Hulme F1 has been developed in secrecy, but now the company is ready to tell the world what is has been creating.

Since the onset of the project, the concept of the Hulme supercar has been a mid engine design with a high-tech power train and chassis. Now that most of the suppliers have been selected, we can tell you that the car will feature a modified BMW M5 engine and AP Racing Transaxle, wrapped in a carbon fiber body.

Styling

Coordinating the design team is Tony Parker, Associate Professor and head of the Industrial Design department at Massey University. ''New Zealand has established a reputation for building the best yachts in the world. I believe we also have the technical capabilities and the industrial infrastructure to create a quality, hand built performance car,'' says Parker.

Based off a quarter scale clay model, early sketches by Parker reveal a design language usually reserved for Formula One. While the coveted Enzo might have the F1 nose, the Hulme supercar takes the theme even further with its half-body, open front tires, exposed suspension and four inch clearance. It seems the only 'Formula' items missing from the equation, are the barge boards and rear winglets.

Conclusion

Supercars New Zealand Limited are currently building the first Hulme prototype which should be finished mid summer. We can't wait to see the final result, and plan be one of the first publications to showcase the Hulme F1 to the world.

Specifications
Year 2005 Origin Not Available
Make Hulme Base Price Not Available
Model F1 Production Not Available
Engine & Transmission Body / Chassis
Position Mid Longitudinal Drive Wheels RWD w/LSD
Configuration BMW M5 V8 Curb Weight 1175 kg / 2590 lbs
Valvetrain DOHC, 4 Valves per Cyl Length 4612 mm / 181.6 in
Displacement 4941 cc / 301.5 cu in Width 1958 mm / 77.1 in
Power Not Available Height 1065 mm / 41.9 in
Torque Not Available Wheelbase 2830 mm / 111.4 in
Bore 89 mm / 3.5 in Front Track 1665 mm / 65.6 in
Stroke 94 mm / 3.7 in Rear Track 1605 mm / 63.2 in
Redline Not Available Steering Not Available
HP / Liter Not Available Body / Frame Carbon Fibre Body
HP / Curb Weight Not Available Front Brakes AP Racing Discs w/6-Piston Calipers, ABS
Gear Type 6-Speed Sequential Transaxle Front Brake Size Not Available
1st Gear Ratio Not Available Rear Brakes AP Racing Discs w/4-Piston Calipers, ABS
2nd Gear Ratio Not Available Rear Brake Size Not Available
3rd Gear Ratio Not Available Front Wheels F 48.3 x 21.6 cm / 19 x 8.5 in
4th Gear Ratio Not Available Rear Wheels R 50.8 x 31.8 cm / 20 x 12.5 in
5th Gear Ratio Not Available Front Tires 235x35-19
6th Gear Ratio Not Available Rear Tires 345x25-20
7th Gear Ratio Not Available Front Suspension Doube Wishbones w/Pushrod Actuated Inboard Coil over Damper Units
Final Drive Ratio Not Available Rear Suspension Doube Wishbones w/Coil over Damper Units