The Spartan-V is a high performance two-seat track car made by the Spartan Motor Company based in Sydney, Australia. It is powered by a 170-horsepower (130 kW) Ducati V-Twin motorcycle engine.[1] Its name refers to the car's lack of headlights, indicators and several other essential features required by law in most countries, so is for track use only and can not be used on public roads.[2]
Origins
Twin brothers Peter and Nick Pap[3] started work that led to the Spartan-V in 2005.[4]
Design
Spartan-V prototype
The Spartan-V has a tubular steel spaceframe chassis[5] with engine and 6-speed sequential gearbox from a Ducati 1198S.[6] Designed for race track use, the Spartan has two chrome roll bars which can be removed and replaced with an FIA-approved single roll bar for competition use.[3]Ducati digital instrumentation, ventilated brake discs, a quick ratio steering rack, and a limited slip differential[6] ensures that power is still applied as long there is some traction available on at least one of the wheels. The body panels are made of carbon fibre fitted with quick-release fasteners. Suspension is double-wishbone, with adjustable racing shock absorbers.[1]
Performance
The Spartan's weight of under 300 kg (660 lb) enables acceleration to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3 seconds and a top speed of 174 mph (280 km/h).[6]
A limited production run of 300 cars is planned to capitalise on the connection with The 300 Spartans[7] who fought to the last man at the Battle of Thermopylae.
