Wednesday 12 March 2014

Tomahawk super kit-car supports a trio of powertrains

The Tomahawk kit-car features various items like dihedral doors, a T6 aluminum monocoque c...

While most of Canada seems content to let the rest of the world worry about designing exotic vehicles, some in Quebec see things slightly differently. Recently the francophone province has brought us such automotive morsels as the Felino cb7 and the MK5 track racer, and now Dubuc SLC’s Tomahawk, a multi-talented 2-seater kit-car, capable of supporting an electric drive train, or one pilfered from a gas-powered car or motorcycle, can be added to the list of boutique Quebecois offerings.
Located in Quebec City, the Dubuc Super Light Car team has put forward a scheme where both buyer and designer participate. Recently shown at the Quebec City International Auto Show, the Tomahawk’s design is premised around a traditional mid-engined architectural model. Similar in design and proportions to a Ferrari 458 or Tesla Roadster, the two-door sports car features some interesting design and engineering goodies including gullwing doors, a T6 aluminum monocoque chassis, polymer body panels, a built-in roll bar and a targa-top. The aluminum chassis, reported to weigh in at a scant 300 lb (136 kg) is capable of fitting a 6’3” individual if needed.
Dubuc SLC is currently taking reserve payments of $5000 for the Tomahawk Kit (Photo: Dubuc...
Now although the team claims that the Tomahawk kit-car has been “engineered to be the fastest, safest, and strongest SuperCar kit on the market,” it does so without a standard powerplant or provided performance figures. This does provide a diverse platform though. Dubuc SLS says that the aluminum chassis is designed in such a way that it can accept either an electric drive train (as shown in Quebec), gas or motorcycle engine. This multi-tasking ability does require the team to adapt the Tomahawk’s engine mounts and modify the rear driveline system to fit the chosen powerplant.
For US$19,995 the Tomahawk super kit-car can be yours, sans seatbelt, engine, front suspen...


The kit itself provides many key ingredients to build the Tomahawk, but buyers are still on the hook to source some of the kit-car’s remaining items. Things like the engine and transmission from a FWD vehicle needs to be tracked down, as does a C4 Corvette’s front suspension, bearings, wheels and brake components, a wiring harness to help get the electrics functioning, lights, the radiator, fuel tank, seat belts and of course, carpet. A full list of what's in the kit and what you need to bring to the table yourself can be found here.
So while the kit price of US$19,995 may seem appealing, the economic reality is buyers will be required to do some extra financial lifting. Mario Dubuc says the cost of a full build could come in as low as $30,000 providing a suitable donor car is found, and with a build time estimated at a 250 hours, those with the know-how might still find a bargain-priced supercar at the end of this rainbow.
Dubuc SLC is currently taking reserve payments of $5000 for the Tomahawk Kit. There's no word as yet on a time frame for delivery.

SLS says the Tomahawk can accept either an electric, FWD gas engine or motorcycle engine (...

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