Canada generally wants to be known for not being the USA. But it’s mainly known for its maple syrup, angry grizzly bears, and even angrier ice hockey matches. What it isn’t known for is supercars.
However, this may be about to change, with Canadian racing driver Antoine Bessette having just unveiled his pet project, the Felino CB7. And it’s undeniably a supercar. Bessette's creative input over the three-year project has resulted in a carbon-fibre vehicle that looks like a cross between the Batmobile and the Morgan Aero Coupe.
Measuring 4.2 metres long, 1.9 metres wide and just 1.1 metres high, it’s long, wide, and extremely low with classic GT car proportions, and the driver sitting right on the rear axle looking out over the stretched bonnet. Beneath that long nose lives a GM-sourced 6.2-litre naturally aspirated V8 that produces a handy 391kW and 662Nm of torque.
Power is sent to the rear wheels via a standard six-speed manual gearbox with a sequential system available as an option. Performance details are yet to be released, but some sources are suggesting that the CB7 can complete the 0-100km/h sprint in a Ferrari 458-rivalling 3.5 seconds. Given that the car weighs just 1135kg it’s not difficult to believe.
The Felino CB7 rides on an independent suspension front and rear with an optimal 50:50 weight distribution. Fully adjustable spring and damper rates also allow customers to set up the car to their specific tastes. Stopping power is supplied by conventional steel discs with six piston calipers at the front and four pistons at the back, but lightweight, fade-resistant carbon ceramic brakes are also an option.
Bessette says the CB7 is "purpose built for the track" but could also be used on the street -- presumably as long as it meets the legal requirements of your particular street. While still a prototype, but the Canadian supercar is apparently production ready. The firm hopes to sell the car across North America at a price below the US$100,000 mark ($112,460) before marketing the car globally.
Watch the desktop version of the Felino CB7 supercar revealed video here.
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