Jetstream 2-seater light-weight sports cars starts production

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 performance figures aren't the only impressive features that make the SC250 a real driver's car - the whole package has been designed and engineered to deliver the optimum high performance experience behind the wheel, whether on the road or driving to the limit on a track.

Fundamental to the SC250's creation was the extensive use of advanced CAD (Computer Aided Design) and CAS (Computer Aided Simulation) software. Using 3D modelling to develop the original design within the SolidWorks package, this was then stress analysed using the Cosmos software programme. Simulation software was then used to create any driving situation Jetstream desired and - crucially - was used to compare the SC250's performance against rival cars. The resulting data meant Jetstream could predict accurate reactions when the prototype was built.

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).

The 12 paint colours available, ranging from 'Cornish Gold' to 'Rossi Red', are exclusive to Jetstream and are produced at MIPA's laboratory in Germany. They are water based, which means they are not only environmentally more friendly but provide a better finish and are much easier to touch up than standard automotive paints such as cellulose.

The precisely built interior cabin is designed to complement the driving experience. The custom moulded composite seats - available in two sizes - are upholstered in high-grade vinyl and can even be customised. The driver's seat is horizontally adjustable so whether the driver is tall or short, they will be able to sit comfortably in the SC250. 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.

Cars are now being built at Jetstream Sportscar's 14,000 sq.ft. production HQ in Cornwall and take 6-8 weeks to build, with timing dependent on each customer's required specification. Jetstream plan to manufacture 50 cars over the next year, with an uprated 300bhp version of the SC250 planned for early 2009.

Jetstream Sportscars Limited was formed in May 2006 to design and manufacture a brand new British high performance two seater sports car which would appeal to both the road and track day markets. The company is based in Redruth, Cornwall.

The design concept was to be based on an open front end similar to the Lotus 7 but the car would be mid-engined and built by hand to the highest quality standards using modern manufacturing processes and materials.

The Jetstream SC range was originally penned by John Donnelly, Jetstream Technical Director and founder of the company, who has had years of experience building high performance cars ranging from Brabham Formula 1 to Ford GT40 replicas.

Jetstream pride themselves on the quality and experience of their workforce which ensures that each car that leaves the factory is quality controlled and meets customers' exacting requirements.

Jetstream actively promote environmental responsibility - recycling is undertaken as much as possible, eco friendly lighting is used in the factory and the GM engine used in the current SC250 model can run on bio-ethanol fuel. Even the in-house Junair paint booth is eco friendly and water based paints are utilised which helps keep the Jetstream's carbon foot print as low as possible.