Established less than three years ago, Dutch company Vencer hasn't wasted any time in realizing its boutique supercar-manufacturing aspirations. Having first been shown off in Monaco this past April, the mid-engined, 200 mph, Vencer Sarthe is now penciled in for a UK appearance at Salon Privé in the photogenic grounds of Syon House.
The low volume, handmade Sarthe sports a mid-engined V8 of unknown displacement that develops 510 hp (375 kW) and 480 lb.ft (650 Nm) of torque. The supercar is designed around a rigid hybrid chassis made up of tubular steel, a chrome-molybdenum safety cage and rear sub-frame, and a honeycomb-structured aluminum floor. Body panels laden with carbon help strengthen out the architecture, while keeping the Sarthe light on the scales at 1390 kg (3064 lbs).
The Sarthe, which appears to have taken its name from the 24 Hours of Le Mans “Circuit de la Sarthe” track, is nicely balanced with weight distribution put at 45% front and 55% rear, this thanks to the supercar oriented placement of the engine and 6-speed MT gearbox.
Performance-wise the Sarthe is said to reach 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.8 seconds and achieve an overall top speed of 326 km/h (203 mph).
The Sarthe comes in at a wee 1.2 meters (3.94 ft) tall, making it quick and low through the air. A wide stance of 1.9 meters (6.2 ft) should ensure quality stability and lateral abilities at speed while linear dimensions of 4.5 meters (14.7 ft) will help with straight line tracking and stability at speed. Compared to a Lamborghini Gallardo the Sarthe is slightly longer, slightly taller, ten kilograms heavier and identical across the waistline.
On the outside there’s more than a little Lamborghini going on. Gallardo like dimensions are there, as are familiar angular venting treatments for aerodynamics and engine/brake cooling, but there’s also a little Lotus Evora happening on profile, a hint of old school Ford GT40 at the nose and various elements of Saleen, Camaro and Corvette flowing out along the back deck and spoiler lip. Vencer says design details and treatments are a “tribute” to the Le Mans era racers from the 80s, which is visually counter-intuitive given the extensive incorporation of current day design elements. The inclusion of dihedral scissor-doors is a nice supercar touch.
Inside the Sarthe there appears to be an old world gated shift box for the 6-speed MT transmission. Carbon fiber looks to be in play on the dashboard, as do brushed aluminum air vents and a sport leather wrapped steering wheel. Drivers may notice the lack of a traditional gauge cluster thanks to Vencer’s centrally located Central Info System (CIS). Vencer’s CIS system, is a customizable multitasking digital display that provides critical info like speed, fuel, revs, mileage, system info and temperature. Hand stitched Alcantara leather seats and a tri-striped aluminum shifter knob finish out the car's otherwise minimalist interior.
Tourists in the Col du Telegraph, Valloire region of the French Alps may have seen a burnt orange Sarthe being put through its paces these past few months. Pricing and delivery turnaround times are available upon request from Vencer.
Source: Vencer