New Kid on the Block

New British sportscar manufacturer Jetstream breaks into the lightweight sportscar market with their SC250 model that couples a totally unique and striking look in terms of styling with substantial performance credentials.

The mid-engined, rear wheel drive road-legal two seater SC250 is now in production after completing an extensive testing programme, following the unveiling of the prototype at the Autosport International Show at Birmingham’s NEC back in January.

Lurking under the engine cover of the SC250 is the same 2.0 litre Ecotec Turbo Twin-Cam 16-valve powerplant and smooth six-speed transmission that appears in the Vauxhall Astra VXR, producing 250bhp as standard. The engine can be run on either unleaded or bio-ethanol – the latter fuel increasing performance by around 10%. With the SC250 weighing in at a mere 700kg (1,550lb), an astonishing power-to-weight ratio of 357bhp-per-tonne (2.8kg/bhp) is achieved, propelling the car from 0-60mph (0-96km/h) in under 4 seconds and to a maximum speed of 165mph (265km/h). A quarter of a mile run from a standing start takes just 11.8 seconds. The car’s torque is also impressive, with 236lb.ft (320Nm) generated @ 2,400rpm. For a car of this performance, a combined unleaded fuel economy of 38mpg (13.4kpl) ensures running costs are not excessive.

The extreme styling of the SC250 was penned originally by Brian Rossi, formerly of Ford, who was responsible for designs such as the “Retro” Ford Thunderbird launched in 2002. The revolutionary look of the car is as functional as it is striking. It was created to be as aerodynamic as possible to balance grip, traction and straight-line speed, with the radical hard edges and flat surfaces making the SC250 stand out strongly against its rivals.

The lightweight, hand produced composite body is coupled to an aluminium monocoque chassis with steel sub-frames front and rear. Side impact safety is aided by the honeycomb monocoque side panels that also benefit the car’s rigidity by eliminating any “flexing” of the structure.

Specially designed suspension ensures premium handling regardless of speed and road/track conditions. Both front and rear suspension consist of unequal length wishbones with fixed coil over shocks supplied by Netherlands-based Intrax, the company owned by Henk Thuis who was formerly Michael Schumacher’s suspension guru at Benetton F1, with the front mounted inboard with push rod activation.

Stopping power is impressive and the Tilton twin brake system features balance bar bias adjustment and ventilated 285mm front discs, with 278mm rear discs and standard General Motors calipers. An optional upgrade is available to a 4-pot caliper brake package from AP Racing.

Lightweight 16 inch alloy wheels on the front and 17 inch on the rear from Team Dynamics coupled with the exceptional grip from Toyo Proxes tyres enhance the SC250’s handling, with road legal track tyres available as an option.

The engine management system is controlled by an Emerald ECU and includes two settings –Standard (general road use) and Sports (track).

Willans 4 point harnesses are standard, with a 5-point version available as an option, ensuring maximum security for the driver and passenger in addition to ensuring stability when performance driving. To improve the comfort factor even more, customers can request Alcantara and leather upholstery as an option when customising their car.

The digital and analogue dash display is from SPA and is programmable to add features depending on a driver’s specific requirements.

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Credits: Jarvis