May 13, 2005 New to the ranks of supercar manufacturers is MB Roadcars (MBR) which unveiled its first offering, the unique 3-seater EOS (‘Exigence of Speed’) supercar at the prestigious Top Marques Motor Show in Monaco last weekend. Engineered by a consortium of Formula 1 designers, EOS benefits from some radical aerodynamicsthat provide 40% more downforce than its closest competitors, plus a range of the latest technologies and materials taken directly from Formula 1 and the aerospace industry. The EOS will sell for UK£340,000, have a top speed of approxiumately 325kmh and a remarkable power to weight ratio of 0.5bhp per kg. EOS features a three-seat layout with central driving position, and its advanced aerodynamic shape, with a two-element front wing and side winglets, has been designed from the outset using the latest F1 computer-aided-design and computational fluid dynamics technology. Of major importance was the announcement of an engine supply agreement with Mader Racing, who will develop a bespoke engine for EOS based on the all-alloy V8 race engine currently used in the new GP2 series.
The Mader Racing 90° V8 engine and sixspeed gearbox are mid-mounted longitudinally for optimum weight distribution, and is tuned to produce 500 bhp. The highstrength monocoque chassis uses carbon-fibre composite materials, which will keep the kerb weight to a class-beating 1000kg (compared to an Enzo ferrari’s 1255kg and a Pagani Zonda’s 1230kg), and give the EOS a remarkable power to weight ratio of 0.5bhp per kg.
The three Formula 1 designers behind MBR were on hand throughout the four-day event to discuss this ambitious project with the many visitors to the stand, including Sir Roger Moore who officially opened the show.
“We were delighted with the reaction to our new car from the press, the public and the other manufacturers exhibiting at the show,” said MBR’s Managing Director Michael Blaize.
“It’s taken two years to get to this stage, and we’re confident that we will have the first prototype running by mid-2006. We already have some excellent technical partners on board, and the engine deal is the final part of the package. My thanks to Mader Racing for their enthusiasm and commitment to our exciting project.”
Also exhibiting on the MBR’s stand was Martin Braun, one of Germany’s foremost watchmakers. His company is producing a limited-edition watch exclusive to EOS and on show for the first time. One of the most unusual features of Martin Braun’s EOS watches are two unique dials which display the times of each day’s sunset and sunrise in the vicinity of the wearer’s home.
The next outing for EOS is in London this weekend where it will be the centrepiece of an exotic car display from 4.00pm until midnight in Bloomsbury Square as part of the celebrations surrounding the start of the Gumball 3000 Rally.
Moving on from the concept stage to the engineering of the first prototypes, MBR continues to follow the same design principles where performance and scientific considerations drive an accurate design of every components of its supercar.
Its main features continue to be the centre of attention:
Central driving position
EOS features a 3-seater layout, with the driver positioned at the centreline for maximum control and the most engaging and rewarding driving experience. EOS is currently the only modern supercar to utilise this layout, following in the footsteps of the legendary McLaren F1.
Innovative aerodynamics
EOS incorporates a unique Formula 1-style double-element front wing, which generates a significant amount of front downforce. Its state-of-the art aerodynamics are complemented by an integrated rear wing design, a wide-angle rear diffuser and side winglets (X-wings) used on a road car for the first time. All these elements are the key to providing well-balanced and stable characteristics at high speed.
Composite lightweight chassis monocoque
MBR uses the latest composite aerospace materials to produce an extremely light and strong survival cell to protect the driver and passengers, as well as providing a rigid platform for highperformance driving. The company’s expertise in racing car chassis design has been fully utilised to achieve new stiffness and weight standards for road vehicles.
Fine-tuned suspension dynamics
EOS’ suspension layout is inspired by modern racing cars. Double wishbones of unequal length with inboard springs and dampers are used both at the front and rear of the car. This setup was optimised to provide maximum stability and control under acceleration, braking and cornering.
With its central seating layout, 40 per cent more downforce and 20 per cent less weight than its competitors, EOS will be able to perform at the highest level, with an appearance and personality to enable it to stand out from any other sports car on the market.
With its strong motorsport technology background and state-of-the-art design technology, MB Roadcars has attracted several high-profile technical partners to support the development of the EOS supercar. The company has established successful working relationships with Alcon (brake systems), Primary Designs (exhaust systems), Toyo (tyre supplier), Dymag (wheel manufacturer), Aerotrim (interior design), Jetblades (manufacturing) and Panther Composites (composite manufacturing).
Its advanced aerodynamic features such as a two-element front wing and side winglets ensure high downforce and low drag. It combines the latest in aerospace and motor sport technologies, and the highstrength monocoque chassis and body panels use aerospace-grade composite materials, resulting in a kerb weight of just 1000 kg without compromise to structural rigidity.
The double-wishbone unequal length suspension features inboard spring/damper units activated by pushrod as on modern racing cars for best in-class handling characteristics.
