|
|
Motors Home
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
QUICK LINKS TO THE SITE NEWS
ENTERTAINMENT
MOTORS
WHERE TO STAY
PROPERTY TO RENT
INFORMATION
BUSINESS
FEATURES
DETAILS OF OUR ADVERTISING & DESIGN PACKAGES
|
In a big departure from the normal Westfield styling, they have produced what looks like a cut down Le Mans racer with performance figures to match its stunning appearance. 0 - 60 takes a mere 3.1 seconds with a top speed of 150 mph The XTR can be registered for road use and you choose from a variety of packages to suit your individual needs. The super lightweight, 2 seater chassis with the mid mounted Suzuki Hayabusa in standard tune provides an astonishing 460 bhp / tonne for fast track and occasional road use. Couple the advanced1300 Suzuki GSXR Hayabusa engine to the 6 speed sequential gearbox, fit a set of slicks and you are driving one of the ultimate track racers. The versatility of the design also allows for easy future upgrades if your demands change.
The Westfield XTR2 is one of a new generation of minimalist road legal ultra modern sports cars that bring ultimate high performance track driving within the reach of all enthusiasts, not just those with big bank balances. The chassis design, layout and accessibility of all the components, and the removable bodywork make essential maintenance all part of the fun. All very good so far, but whats it like to drive on the road or perhaps more importantly the track? To a certain extent the performance figures speak for themselves, 0 - 60 in 3.1 seconds and 150 mph are motorcycle type figures, but it is the way that Westfield have developed the XTR2 that makes it outstanding. No essential area has been compromised, so that the handling and braking are all equal to the phenomenal power that is on tap.
At the recent test day at Curborough Sprint Circuit near Lichfield we were able to put this performance to the test. As the name of the Curborough Sprint circuit implies it is something of a short "point and squirt" track (see the video clip) and while perhaps a slightly longer straight would have been better to exploit the very high top speed more fully, it is an ideal track to test the cars phenomenal acceleration and cornering ability. No car can be all things to all men and everyone has different priorities and features that they look out for, but chatting to the other journalists afterwards, everyone had a surprisingly similar opinion of the car. Several aspects stand out for special mention. The acceleration is a match for any car, at any price, but the braking power is equally impressive. As one person commented "its enough to make your eyes bleed". A bit extreme, but you get the point.
The steering and general handling were also more than equal to the job, the steering being a bit notchy at lower speeds, but this is being picky as it is nothing awful, and this dissappears in any case the faster it is driven. The grip was outstanding, even after our wonderful English summer had deposited its usual rain shower. This was more than demonstrated to me when Jim, the Westfield driver, took me round the track as a passenger to show me how it should be driven properly !!! Not for the faint hearted. Comfort?
Well you don't buy a Westfield XTR2 for its cupholders and bootspace do you but it was actually quite comfortable and I would imagine would accommodate most sizes of driver. While it would hardly be a practical every day car, it is equally true that it is not just a race or track day car either. Given the right roads (and the right weather) it would be tremendous fun as an "occasional" road car that could carry 2 people in reasonable, if a little bit cosy, comfort. The build quality also appeared to be of extremely high standard and all that you would expect from a top flight producer such as Westfield.
Faults? Where do I start? Where indeed, as I can't think of any! It would appear that Westfield have achieved all that they could have hoped for in developing such a car. They have produced a car with stunning looks and stunning super car performance to match, with a level of practicality that offers a great many possibilities for use other than race and track days. As with all Westfields, you get an awful lot of car for your money with a standard priced fully built road legal car costing less than £25,000 in total, which when you consider what you are getting is amazing value for money. For more information : e-mail info@westfield-sportscars.co.uk www.westfield-sportscars.co.uk Home &
news - reports/articles
We are Members of the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce If you wish to contact us either : PHONE 0121 444 4723 or E-Mail us on :
|
