Friday was February 28, 2014, and if you are a fan of boutique supercar->ke177 makers, you likely remember that as the date that Arash->ke1750 revealed its all-new supercar. Well here it is, folks. Meet the new Arash AF8. The car is all-new and features a design that takes some of the best parts of Arash’s previous models and blends them together into one stunning machine. Power still comes from a GM->ke1024-sourced, LS7 7.0-liter V-8 that produces 550 horsepower; enough to push the AF8 to 200 mph.

Keeping all those carbon body panels together is a chassis that is built from a collection of steel, aluminum and carbon. Items like the side-impact beams are made from high-strength steel, while the roll cage system is strengthened with carbon. My favorite part is the floor, which has been made with a Kevlar-carbon composite to provide “ballistic” protection against stones and road debris.

When it comes to making your supercar->ke177 sound awesome, a “ballistic protection” floor is a great place to start.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 Arash AF8.

2015 Arash AF8

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Arash AF8
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 550 @ 6500
  • Torque: 472 @ 5000
  • Transmission: 6-speed manual
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The exterior of the new Arash AF8 has been created to move the design of the company forward while paying homage to its past. The front of the car is shaped to similar to the original Farboud GT, while the aerodynamics and some cooling features are based on the progress made with the AF10->ke1751.

The actual shape is traditional for a mid-engined supercar. The cockpit is slightly forward, the overhangs are unbelievably short and the rear is dominated by the engine bay. These proportions may have started their development with the Lamborghini Miura->ke378 in the ‘60s, but they still look great today.

The wheel design of the AF8 is a simple thin-spoke design, but what is immediately noticeable is the width of the rubber. The rear tires of this Arash are 345 mm wide, making them some of the biggest tires Michelin makes. Those are wider than the wheels Lamborghini puts on the Aventador.

Length

163.38 inches

Height

43.30 inches

Width

74.80 inches


Interior

The cockpit of the AF8 is going to be a bit barren if you are a traditional Ferrari->ke252 or Aston Martin buyer. The main focus of the interior design of the Arash is to keep you in control and moving forward at speed. It is not created to coddle you with supple materials on the long highway journey to your destination. The dash is dominated by three large gauges, the steering wheel has almost no buttons, and there are very few superfluous add-ons. There is still plenty of leather, contrast stitching and carbon fiber, but the overall feel of the cabin is function over form.

To be honest I think this is probably a bit better. I have yet to drive one of the newest Ferraris with the control covered steering wheel, but it seems like those many buttons would get in the way during really fast driving.

Drivetrain

Power for the AF8 is provided by an LS7 V-8 from General Motors. This was the engine that motivated the track-ready C6 generation Corvette Z06. Arash has massaged it a bit to bump power to 550 horsepower over the Corvette’s 505. Torque has also been bumped to 472 pound-feet.

Thanks to the AF8's low weight, this V-8 can blast the car to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, and carry the car to a top speed of 200 mph. Shifting duties are handled by an old-school, three-pedal manual with six forward cogs.

Engine type

7.0 liter V-8

Horsepower @ RPM

550 @ 6,500

Torque (LB-FT @ RPM)

472 @ 5,000

Transmission

6-Speed manual

Top speed

200 MPH

0-60mph

3.5 seconds


Prices

There is no official pricing for the AF8 yet, but expect it to be similar to its competitors; around $230,00.

Competition

Ferrari 458 Italia

The Ferrari 458 Italia is one of the obvious competitors for the Arash. The Ferrari has a slight lead in horsepower, but it comes much later in the rev range. The Fezza is also more luxurious, but infinitely more complicated as well. That badge carries a lot of weight in buyers though, and it will take a lot for Arash to overcome that loyalty.

McLaren 12C

The 12C is another natural competitor in the mid-engine market. Just like the Ferrari, the McLaren focuses on using science and math to make its cars go faster. This makes them great on a track, but can have consequences when it comes to the feel and experience of a car. Only time will tell if buyers prefer the McLaren's laptop, or the AF8's hammer.

Conclusion

The Arash AF8 is a unique car. It combines simple American power with the Italian developed mid-engine formula. The result is a car that is fast, but it offers less in terms of refinement and equipment when compared to its peers.

I do love to cheer for an underdog though.