On Britain’s south coast, Devon-based Marlin Sports Cars are quietly revolutionising the way we produce performance vehicles. Free from the restraints of mass-market manufacturing, the carmakers have brought heart and soul back to the supercar – and are flying the flag for British speed.
Last week, the company unveiled the Avatar Roadster – a new British-built, lightweight supercar for those who seek the ‘balance of pure performance and affordability from every driving experience’.
Weighing in at 700kg, and powered by a 2 litre Ford EcoBoost engine, this 252 horsepower roadster hasn’t been slapped with a price tag yet – but Marlin have allegedly received four orders already, and hope to produce 25 cars by the end of the year.
We can’t get enough of this Devonshire thoroughbred. Although the five-speed gearbox has been sourced from the Porsche Boxster, the aforementioned engine is Ford’s, and the Tilton pedal box Californian, Quaife LSD and Nitron dampers are British through-and-through – as is the design, chassis and HiSpec brakes.
Tested at Castle Comb racetrack, the Roadster can sprint to 60mph in 3.9 seconds, before going on to reach a top speed of 150mph. A custom laser-cut, tubular space frame chassis sits the driver close to the centreline of the car, ensuring you feel as integral to the driving experience as possible, whilst remaining safe and always in control.
Each Roadster will receive a pre-delivery ‘tailored’ session, with the car set up to the buyer’s weight, driving preferences and planned use – which Marlin believe should be balanced between a ‘road’ and ‘track’ car.
“Owners can pick up the phone to us at any time and get one-to-one support that is often lacking from larger car makers,” says Terry Matthews, the woman behind the Avatar.
“We also want that ‘community’ element that might see Avatar owners plan a trip together through The Lakes, a coffee and doughnut meet every three months or perhaps a track day on the continent.
“We want Avatar owners to enjoy a spirited drive on a crisp Sunday morning or turn up to a track day, surprise a few owners of more exotic machines and drive home with a big smile on their face.”
And what could be more British than that?
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