Ever wondered if it’s possible to buy F1 cars? Well, get excited as there is someone who’s got your back. Tour De Force Engineering, which specializes in restoring old F1 cars, has unveiled a ride for private racetrack users. So, if you’ve always dreamt of driving an F1 car, here is your chance. CarSwitch.com, an online marketplace for used cars in Abu Dhabi, tells you how.
The Car Is Based On Marussia and Sauber
The structure, parts and chassis are from Marussia or Sauber F1 cars which were originally made by F1 teams. However, the original 700 horsepower 2.4-liter V-8 engines have been toned down to turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder that has been built in collaboration with engine tuner Mountune. It is paired with a 6-speed semi-automatic sequential transmission with an electric clutch and reverse gear.
This power train is easier to manage as it requires serious service just once a year. Between servicing, it should be able to go 1864 miles, per the company. In contrast, F1 engines usually last for less than 20 hours before a rebuild. That is not the case with the re-engineered car because preheating the engine and tearing it down after each event is not needed. The four-cylinder will come to life when the starter button is pressed. The starter will enable owners to start the car from the inside. In contrast, F1 vehicles get external starters.
Performance
The new engine can churn out 600 horsepower at 9000 rpm. The transmission has been made using magnesium and carbon fiber, a luxury private owners never had before.
The important thing to remember is that the TDF-1 can deliver 95 percent of the performance of a similar F1 car at a much lower cost. Moreover, you will not even need a crew when you are at the track, just a mechanic will be enough. The TDF-1 can go from 0 to 62 mph in less than 2 seconds and offer a top speed of more than 200 mph.
The British firm also says that the car boasts of 4.0 g’s of lateral acceleration and 4.5 g’s when braking. The car’s brakes have the same carbon composition as real F1 cars and it comes with Pirelli tires. The car gets the same kind of double-wishbone suspension as the vehicles it’s based on front and rear. Shocks are from Ohlins and the brake calipers come from Brembo. You can even compare it with some of the best Ferrari racing cars.
The TDF-1 also has a fully functional drag reduction system (DRS) to deliver high speeds. The system has been modified so it will shut off automatically when needed to prevent crashing for your safety.
Price And Availability
There will be three Marussia-based and two Sauber-based TDF-1s. The starting price will be $1.9 million and that doesn’t include taxes. However, compared to the price of real Formula 1 cars, this doesn’t sound out of bounds. The car can now be ordered and the buyers will also receive comprehensive training to drive them on the best circuits in the world, just not for a race.
These might not be available as used cars in Abu Dhabi yet but we’ve got some track-worthy, sports cars that can be almost as fun. Be sure to find them on CarSwitch.com!
