Rodin runs in its new FZERO on home turf

Rodin Cars’ radical new FZERO project is officially up and running, with the new hypercar completing its first track sessions at the brand’s development facility in New Zealand.

Boasting a close-to-ridiculous power output of 1013bhp from its twin-turbo V10 and featuring bodywork that would put Batman to shame, the FZERO is a huge leap for the small company with big ambition.

Founded by technology billionaire David Dicker, Rodin’s first effort was the open-wheeled FZED, which came from the remains of the Lotus T125. The FZERO is built on a bespoke carbon chassis, weighing in at less than 700kg, some 100kg lighter than current Formula 1 cars. At its heart is a new 4-litre turbocharged V10 engine developed by Rodin called the RC.TEN. After the first engine models were built by Neil Brown Engineering, production has now switched to Rodin’s facility near Mount Lyford in New Zealand’s South Island.

Dicker took the wheel for the first laps of the prototype FZERO, running on one of Rodin’s three purpose-built test tracks.

Dicker said: “While there is a long road ahead of testing and development, running the FZERO for the first time gives me immense pride in what everyone at Rodin Cars has achieved in bringing this programme to life. The test went very well, and we were able to work through our programme. We’re excited as the FZERO project enters its next phase. It really is a car like no other.”

Rodin reckons the FZERO will be capable of producing around 4000kg of downforce and reach a top speed in excess of 224mph. A total of 27 are planned to be built, and it’s due to cost around £1.8m.