Where the LS7 based AF8 offers super high performance and exotic flavored exclusivity, AF10 shoots up all the way to the top of the hyper car performance stratosphere, offering a whopping 2080 hp power rating, combined with super high rigidity of full space frame combined with carbon fiber central tub.
Like with other hyper cars such as McLaren P1 and Porsche 918, the Arash hyper car comes with a electric/ICE hybrid powertrain, with the distinction of being the only one offering a true manual transmission (paddle shifter is optional) to control the ICE and four electric motors- a trait setting it apart from everyone else.
As impressive the car may be, it has one downfall, a relatively low tech push rod ICE, fortified with a supercharger in place of the expected DOHC multi cylinder DOHC low displacement high tech engine.
Although this part is somewhat disappointing, it is not all a bad news. The choice of engine seems to follow the logic Arash chose with its lower priced AF8, sourced from the sixth generation of Corvette. That engine is none other than the already legendary LS9 engine, found in the last Corvette ZR1 and certainly something that would make Dave Hill smile, while giving +Tadge Juechter even more than usual look of constipation.
The fact that a super pricey hyper car uses the LS9 engine is as much of endorsement as the last ZR1 could ever hope for, along with the owners of these cars. Again, according to Arash, the choice of engine for its top dog was a true no brainer, a truly bullet proof and upgrade friendly supercharged small block. Why no LT4? Apparently for the same reasons Bob Lutz quoted previously, unreliable, complex and performance upgrades unfriendly engine, with a high potential to damage the reputation of a small volume but high priced car company.
The Arash version of LS9 is certainly impressive, producing at least 900 hp and being as bulletproof and easy to service as its stock ZR1 counterpart.
Although Corvette C6 ZR1, unlike the laughable Corvette C7 Z06 and its visual low powered Grand Sport cousin, does not need any more validation that it already has, the endorsement from Arash certainly cannot hurt, in fact, this is as much of an endorsement as any car could ever hope for. Certainly, a great reason for Corvette C6 ZR1 owners to enjoy their cars, reserving their "Corvette wave" for owners of VLF and Arash F10 while the owners of Corvette C6 Z06 can wait for Arash F8 or Hennessey Venom GT to drive by (holding their breath of course).
For the owners of the latest Corvette C7 Z06, there are always owners of C7 Grand Sport, Cadillac CTS V and upcoming Camaro ZL1, to reinforce their delusion of owning a "certified supercar".
Imagine getting a hold of an LS7 with harness to put in your late 60s muscle car how cool would that be and has been for some lucky individuals.....then imagine getting a hold of an LT4 to.......never mind. It has never become a thought
ReplyDeleteGiven the choice, only a complete loon would pick the LT turds over LS series.
ReplyDeleteWe can only hope the C8 will be closer to the Arash, La Ferrari, P1, etc. Then again GM has never built a hypercar. They don't know how to make $ on them. Sell 5 Arashes or Ford GTs per year when you can sell 50000 plastic turd boxes? Do the math. Selling gold plated turds is a much better business model than selling solid gold unfortunately. At least Ford grew a pair with the GT.
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