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Breckland Beira
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New Brit Sportscar set for UK debut
Allow us to introduce yet another new British sports car: the Breckland Beira. Destined to break cover at the Canary Wharf Motorexpo on June 9th, it marries the proven GM Kappa platform, currently underpinning the Pontiac Solstice and Opel GT, with GM’s LS2, 6-litre V8 engine.
This is the first car to be branded under the Breckland banner and according to Director Mike Rawlings, “the Beira carries on from where Marcos and TVR left off.” Performance from the 400bhp V8 should be strong with a sub five-second sprint to 62mph touted. Years of experience building high-quality, low-volume specialist cars for clients including Mosler, bode well for the Norfolk based firm.
Taking the best bits of the GM Kappa platform (a fully engineered crash structure, plus stock doors and hood to ensure reliable weather protection) and the possibility of dual-fuel compatibility ensure that the Beira has its own USP. Indeed the range with the extra LPG tank is claimed to be a staggering 700 miles.
So what about the all essential evoness? In a review of the 260bhp Opel GT (issue 103) we were less than overwhelmed by that car’s drivetrain and steering which lacked real feel when the asphalt turned twisty. However, the rigidity of the platform did shine through which – helpful for the sizable increase in power that the Beira will be applying through the rear wheels. Breckland has also fully reworked the suspension and brakes.
Sporting a sticker price in the region of £55k the car should be available in the UK and international markets as of November 2008 with the order book being open now. Unfortunately, due to the limited production numbers all cars will be left-hand drive – which may dampen the enthusiasm for what looks to be a promising package.