Radical RXC Turbo 500 debuts at 2015 Geneva Motor Show
Radical has unveiled the RXC Turbo 500 at Geneva, a road-legal track car with 530hp and ambitions to beat the Nürburgring lap record set by its predecessor.
Radical has unveiled its latest creation, the RXC Turbo 500, at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show. This British sports car is designed with a singular purpose: to push the boundaries of what a road-legal, track-focused machine can achieve. The RXC Turbo 500 arrives as the new flagship in Radical’s line-up, promising extreme performance and a renewed challenge for lap records at the Nürburgring Nordschleife.
Radical’s Ambitious New Flagship
The RXC Turbo 500 represents the culmination of five years of development by Radical. The company has a reputation for producing lightweight, high-performance cars that blur the line between road and race vehicles. With the RXC Turbo 500, Radical is targeting enthusiasts who want the thrill of a track car combined with the practicality of road legality. This means owners can drive to the circuit, enjoy a day of high-speed laps, and return home without the need for a trailer or support crew.
Technical Highlights and Performance
At the heart of the RXC Turbo 500 is a turbocharged 3.5-litre Ford EcoBoost V6 engine. This powerplant delivers 530hp at 6,100rpm and 481lb-ft of torque at 5,000rpm. Such figures translate to a power-to-weight ratio of 462hp per tonne, according to Radical. The company claims the car can accelerate to 100mph in just 6.8 seconds, underlining its performance credentials.
| Engine | Turbocharged 3.5-litre Ford EcoBoost V6 |
|---|---|
| Power output | 530hp at 6,100rpm |
| Torque | 481lb-ft at 5,000rpm |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 462hp per tonne (claimed) |
| 0–100mph | 6.8 seconds (claimed) |
| Gearbox | 6-speed sequential |
| Chassis | Lightweight construction |
| Road legality | Homologated for public road use |
The RXC Turbo 500’s chassis is constructed with lightness and rigidity in mind, supporting the car’s aim of delivering maximum performance on the track. The use of a 6-speed sequential gearbox further enhances its racing credentials, allowing for rapid gear changes during high-speed driving.
Development and Design
Radical’s approach to the RXC Turbo 500’s design is unapologetically focused on aerodynamics and downforce. The car features a closed cockpit and distinctive bodywork, crafted to maximise grip and stability at speed. While the design may not prioritise everyday practicality, it is intended to appeal to driving enthusiasts who value performance above all else.
- Turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine
- 6-speed sequential gearbox
- Lightweight chassis construction
- Road-legal status with track-level performance
The RXC Turbo 500 stands above the existing RXC models in Radical’s range, offering more power and a greater focus on circuit ability. Its homologation for road use is a significant feature, as it allows owners to experience extreme track performance without being limited to closed-circuit events.
Nürburgring Ambitions and Lap Record Pursuit
The Nürburgring Nordschleife is widely regarded as one of the most demanding circuits in the world, and Radical has a history of success there. The current record for a road-legal car is held by the Radical SR8 LM, which set a time of 6:48. With the RXC Turbo 500, Radical is aiming to break this record, further cementing its reputation among manufacturers of track-focused vehicles.
Although official lap times for the RXC Turbo 500 at the Nürburgring have not yet been released, the car’s technical specification and Radical’s confidence suggest it is well positioned to challenge for the title. The combination of high power, low weight, and advanced aerodynamic features are all designed with this goal in mind.
What It Means for Buyers and the Radical Brand
For buyers, the RXC Turbo 500 represents an opportunity to access high-level track performance in a car that can be driven on public roads. This dual-purpose capability broadens its appeal, particularly to enthusiasts who want to enjoy track days without the logistical challenges of transporting a race car.
Radical’s strategy with the RXC Turbo 500 also reinforces its position as a manufacturer at the forefront of road-legal, motorsport-inspired vehicles. Success at the Nürburgring would further validate the company’s engineering approach and attract attention from those seeking the ultimate in track-day performance.
What works
- Road-legal status allows for driving to and from track events
- Extremely high power-to-weight ratio
- Advanced aerodynamics and chassis engineering
What does not
- Design is not focused on everyday practicality
- Further details and official lap times are yet to be released
Looking Ahead: The Future of Radical’s Road-Legal Track Cars
The RXC Turbo 500’s debut at the Geneva Motor Show signals Radical’s ongoing commitment to innovation and performance in the high-performance sector. As more details and official figures become available, the RXC Turbo 500 is likely to draw significant interest from both enthusiasts and competitors. Its combination of advanced engineering, dramatic styling, and focus on lap records ensures it will remain in the spotlight among those passionate about extreme driving experiences.
