CAMRY-BASED SPORTS CAR A TASTE OF THINGS TO COME

Melbourne motoring enthusiasts will get their first look at a new locally-built sports car at Toyotas 2003 Melbourne Motor Show display. 

The Toyota Camry Sportivo-based SP9R two-seater sports car is built in Mitcham by former Australian champion driver Alan Hamilton. 

It uses a number of Camry Sportivo components, including the light but powerful 2.4-litre VVT-i equipped twin-cam engine built by Toyota at its Altona plant. 

All the major mechanical components in the SP9R are sourced from Camry Sportivo. 

Hamilton created the SP9R as an affordable race vehicle, but also intends making a limited number of cars available for road use. 

Hamilton said that the affordability of the vehicle was only possible because of the local Camry manufacturing program, which provides top quality components at a reasonable price and with an assurance of reliability. 

The Camry Sportivo engine, gearbox, clutch and differential are moved to the rear in the SP9R, behind the occupants and driving the rear wheels. 

"The locally-made all-alloy 2.4-litre twin-cam engine is the lightest production engine of its size in the world at just 115kg," Hamilton said. 

That is a huge plus for the power-to-weight ratio and also the balance of the car. 

Hamilton hopes to make the vehicles the centrepiece of a one-make sports car series in 2004. 

Running costs are estimated to be half that of other entry-level race series without compromising the technical challenges of modern motor racing. 

The design of the SP9R ensures that racers will become familiar with using the latest electronic systems, such as data acquisition and electronic engine management control. 

SP9R is an undertaking of Alan Hamilton. Toyota Australia is providing him suspension, steering and drivetrain components on a commercial basis. 

source: Toyota