RML Motorsport

Automotive

RML utilise all of the skills and technology honed in the highly competitive motorsport environment to provide a complete design, engineering, manufacturing and prototyping service to major and niche automotive manufacturers.

Most of the automotive projects undertaken by RML are confidential and details cannot be released. However, an overview of some well known RML projects are set out below:

RML GT40 - RML's first complete road car project in 1990 was instigated as a tribute to the original Ford GT40. At the time a number of other companies were producing GT40 replicas, unfortunately most had the exterior look but lacked the performance and agility of the original 1960's supercar. RML produced a limited number of cars that closely followed the original specification and then tuned the ride and handling to exceed modern expectations.

RML Project 10 - In 1994 RML undertook its first 'clean sheet' automotive project by taking concept sketches through to reality for an undisclosed Japanese manufacturer.

Opel Astra Concept DTM - Opel appointed RML to build a concept car that was used to re-launch the German Touring Car Championship (DTM) in 1999. Although the finished vehicle was very much a concept race car RML had to employ its automotive engineering skills to construct the base chassis as production of the Astra Coupe had not commenced. The vehicle was completed in four weeks from a standard Astra bodyshell, a selection of prototype Astra Coupe body panels, existing race/rally car components and bespoke parts designed and manufactured by RML.

Saleen S7 - RML's best known 'clean sheet' automotive project commenced in 2000 when Saleen Inc selected RML to design and build America's first supercar, the 7 litre Saleen S7. The prototype road car was completed in record time just ten months into the project. Following the vehicles launch a further ten cars were produced for the certification process and as donor vehicles for the construction of the RML built race cars.

Nissan Micra R - In 2003 Nissan GB approached RML to produce a headline vehicle to coincide with the launch of the new Micra, this race car for the road was called Micra R. RML took a standard model and transformed its looks to match the dramatic styling of a Geneva concept car. From nose to tail the 'R' is unlike any Micra ever produced, the bonnet hides a radiator and fuel tank and the rear sliding seat was replaced with a 265 bhp fully race-prepared engine linked to a 6 speed sequential gearbox. The project was a great success having generated multi page reviews in all of the leading UK motoring publications and national press.

Following its highly visible premiere at the World Touring Car Championship in 2005 Chevrolet decided to take the flair of the racetrack to the road. RML were put to the task of designing a concept vehicle for the manufacturer and thus the Chevrolet Lacetti WTCC R+ was born. The WTCC R+, like the two-litre racing version, is based on the four-door Lacetti/Nubira and has been thoroughly reworked and upgraded - optically, aerodynamically and technically. The four-door model's external appearance has a great deal in common with the racing car and the sporty aspect is consistently pursued in the interior with black leather upholstered seats and satin aluminum finish. A supercharger joins forces with a charged air intercooler to raise the output by more than 40% and ensures the car touches 100km/h in around 8 seconds and races to a maximum speed of over 215km/h. The brakes grip faster and last longer and the suspensions have been fundamentally modified.