Skip advert
Advertisement

Radical SR3 XXR introduces radical updates for 2023

Radical’s popular track-only SR3 has been given some significant upgrades

British track car specialist Radical has revealed a new iteration of its SR3 called the XXR. Closely based on the existing model, the new XXR features lots of new content under the skin, including extensive upgrades to its powertrain and brake package. 

Located behind the driver is a new 5th generation of Radical’s own 1500cc RPE engine, which is now rated at 232bhp – 6bhp more than the existing 1500cc engine found in the previous SP3. Changes to this next generation unit include the addition of forged connecting rods, lighter crank pins and a new ignition system, while the heads have improved flow rates. As well as more power, these upgrades have been designed to improve engine responsiveness, particularly at the higher end of the rev band from 6500-10,000rpm. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

The six-speed sequential transmission has been reinforced, and both gearbox and engine have received all-new calibrations, giving the engine the ability to now run on E85 biofuel - which is 85 per cent ethanol. 

The SP3 XXR also features a brand new braking system, with Radical partnering with AP Racing for both the discs and calipers. These are set behind a new design of lightweight forged wheel and together they further reduce unsprung weight. Radical did not release a new weight figure, but the quoted power-to-weight ratio of 350bhp/ton suggests a weight of around 662kg – 32kg more than the previous model. 

> Radical Rapture review

As part of the upgrade, all XXR models will now be fitted as standard with a pit-lane speed limiter, and also come with a new engine cover with an LMP-inspired fin and optional carbonfibre splitter and diffuser additions. The fundamental aero design has not changed, but the standard SR3’s capability to pull 2.3g lateral suggests there’ll be plenty of downforce. 

Radical is currently one of the market leaders in the production of high performance track-only cars, having sold 1500 SP3 units for global competition and track day usage. This new model should only bolster the appeal of the SP3 range when it goes into production from February next year. 

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best track day cars 2025 – the thrill of driving in its purest form
Best track cars
Best cars

Best track day cars 2025 – the thrill of driving in its purest form

Some of the world's most visceral, engaging track cars have emerged in recent times – these are our favourites
31 Jan 2025
McLaren 750S and Porsche 911 GT3 RS v hardcore track weapons – can the road racers compete?
McLaren v Porsche v Radical
Features

McLaren 750S and Porsche 911 GT3 RS v hardcore track weapons – can the road racers compete?

We compare the merits of four very different track cars, the McLaren 750S, Porsche 911 GT3 RS, Radical SR3 and Revolution R500 Evo
31 Dec 2024
McLaren Artura Trophy Evo 2025 review – Woking's race-spec supercar is a riot
McLaren Artura Trophy Evo
Reviews

McLaren Artura Trophy Evo 2025 review – Woking's race-spec supercar is a riot

McLaren’s one-make-race-series Artura has evolved, with more of everything: grip, aero and attitude. As it turns out, it’s riotously good fun, too
27 Dec 2024
Porsche 956: the anatomy of an endurance racing icon
Porsche 956
Features

Porsche 956: the anatomy of an endurance racing icon

The 956 (along with its 962 successor) represents a pinnacle of endurance racing. We look under the skin of this iconic racer to discover what made it…
1 Dec 2024
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

'Do I crave manual Porsches? Absolutely. But a Nissan GT‑R? No way.'
Porsche 911 ST
Opinion

'Do I crave manual Porsches? Absolutely. But a Nissan GT‑R? No way.'

Jethro is celebrating the shift back to manual gearboxes – with one proviso
15 Feb 2025
Ill-conceived government legislation will kill the UK car industry
Porsche Taycan charging
Opinion

Ill-conceived government legislation will kill the UK car industry

The car industry and legislators cant meet in the middle and find a compromise soon enough
13 Feb 2025
Alpina B3 GT Touring 2025 review – a 190mph alternative to the BMW M3 Touring
Alpina B3 GT Touring
Reviews

Alpina B3 GT Touring 2025 review – a 190mph alternative to the BMW M3 Touring

A swansong for Alpina’s hot 3-series lineup, the B3 GT Touring is a fine and unique alternative to the very best fast estates
16 Feb 2025