Ever since its resurrection, ATS Automobili has
focused on creating a road-going supercar. That goal has finally been
achieved last year with the launch of the mid-engined ATS GT and since then the
boutique Italian carmaker has devoted its time and resources to create a
modern-day ATS race car. It’s called the RR Turbo and was developed in-house by ATS
Automobili’s newly-founded ATS Corsa division. Looking at the RR Turbo, you’d
be tempted to describe it as a competition version of the ATS GT. You’d be
right, but only from a design point of view —mechanically, it’s a different
type of beast.
Instead of the ATS GT’s McLaren-sourced 3.8-liter
twin-turbo V8, the race car features a Honda-supplied 2.0-liter turbocharged
four-cylinder engine. Developed by ATS Corsa with a closed-deck construction,
the turbo four-pot features forged pistons, bespoke intake and exhaust
manifolds, and a Garrett turbine. Managed by a Hondata ECU, the
2.0-liter turbo delivers 600 hp at 8,500 rpm and 530 Nm of torque,
with a flat curve from 4,000 to 7,000 rpm. The engine is linked to a six-speed
3MO FTX sequential transmission with limited slip differential that drives the
rear wheels.
No performance specs have been released but we do
know that the ATS Corsa RR Turbo tips the scales at 780 kg,
resulting in a remarkable weight-to-power ratio of 2.86 lbs/hp (1.3 kg/hp). The
low weight is made possible by the chromium molybdenum spaceframe chassis that
weighs only 40 kg without the roll-cage, as well as the bodywork made
from lightweight composite material (available in carbon fiber). Stopping power is ensured by
four-piston Brembo calipers with steel discs but ATS Corsa also offers optional
ultralight ATS-Sicom monoblock calipers with 350-mm carbon ceramic
discs.
Highlights also include a double wishbone pushrod
suspension with electronic Tractive shock absorbers adjustable via the
touchscreen display, Michelin racing tires, AIM dash logger, as well as a
tablet console linked to the in-car cameras for recording and live-streaming
track sessions.
According to ATS, the RR Turbo has been developed as
“a multi-purpose race car able to offer top-level performance in the vast
majority of FIA events in all of Europe.” The racer is eligible for all
Challenge and GT Cup series, including the German VLN, French VdeV, CIVM, and
all European hill climb championships. Prices start from € 110,000 (US$ 121,500),
excluding taxes. Deliveries will begin in spring 2020.