The Corse

The Stratos, although a magnificent car, had many shortcomings, so in designing the CORSE we decided to improve on the original not just to replicate it 'warts and all'. We also endeavoured to produce a car where the construction would be straight-forward and achievable in a reasonable length of time without the builder having any sophisticated engineering skills.

The Stratos had no separate chassis, whereas the CORSE is of a sophisticated semi-monocoque construction. The CORSE chassis has been independently tested by STATUS and found to have a torsional deflection figure of over 6000 lb ft / degree, which is stiffer by a factor of two over our nearest rivals. STATUS has awarded us their 'Blue Riband' for chassis performance and design, a title of which we are very proud.

The engine / transmission was mid-mounted in a rigid structure welded to the rear bulkhead, and this has been retained. The CORSE has foam filled bulkheads which reduces noise and much of the heat transfer associated with mid-engined cars.

The original engine was a Ferrari Dino V6. The beauty of the CORSE's design construction is that the engine bay is large enough to accommodate virtually any transverse engine / transmission unit, even the Ferrari V8 can be accommodated.

The reduced weight achieved by using a complete fibreglass body (as opposed to having a centre section of steel) means that far less power is needed to give a performance similar to the original.

The Stratos's fibreglass sections were of a thin and flimsy construction, whereas the fibreglass panels of the CORSE are of a heavier weight with the addition of Coremat non-woven fabric in certain areas for increased rigidity and strength.

We have done away with the complicated setting up of the suspension and the constant re-adjustments originally necessary, by the addition of silent block rubber bushes. This makes the CORSE a more predictable car to drive than the Stratos.

The front suspension geometry has been updated and with our own design cast aluminium steering rack (no propriety unit was 100% suitable, so there was no alternative - we made our own), the handling characteristics now match the performance of the car.

Disc brakes have been retained all round and are controlled by a Tilton pedal box, using a split system with adjustable front / rear bias.

The unique simplicity of the window raising mechanism has also been retained along with a full width boot.

We have also been able to increase head and leg room so now the seating and control positions are vastly improved over the rather cramped and awkward positions of the original.

WHICH KIT said of the original development CORSE, ''Without reservation, I can say that this is the safest and best road holding car I have ever experienced.''