The lightweight (150kg fully dressed), normally aspirated, 500bhp unit is based on the one used in the new GP2 race series, which accounts for the staggeringly high-revving nature of the 90-degree V8 - 302lb ft of torque is produced at 7500rpm with maximum power coming in at an astounding 9500rpm. These figures, combined with a weight of 1000kg, mean a power to weight ratio of 510bhp per ton for a projected 3.5sec dash to 60mph and a top speed of 218mph. All of this and the engine still meets the exacting Euro 4 emissions standards.

A further refinement of the already impressive aerodynamics package (Cd 0.32) are a pair of winglets, or X-wings, that have appeared behind the cabin since the first scale model. They are, however, likely to be an ΂£8500 option on the finished car.

The proportions look much better on the full-size car and the Monaco appearance suggests that the crucial financial backer has been found since we last reported on the company in evo 077.

The next step in this whirlwind development is to get a prototype running by the middle of 2006; customer cars are due in 2007. Quizzed on how this can be achieved so quickly, company founder Michael Blaize's assured reply is that in F1 - his previous occupation - things are done within mere months.

The EOS (short for Exigence of Speed) is likely to be closely compared with the McLaren F1, thanks to its three-seater layout with central driving position, and similarly low weight. In fact, the team involved with the development of the EOS are also all involved with Formula 1 and felt current supercars relied too much on their outlandish styling rather than good engineering principles for their customer appeal. The projected price, however, is still well into supercar territory at ΂£340,000...