Radical->ke3734 is not one of the most recognizable sports car->ke506 manufacturers in the world, and there is a reason for that. You see, Radical->ke3734 is not a brand built for high volume. The manufacturer specifically caters to the elite enthusiasts who, in their search for adrenaline, are looking for thoroughbred racers.

First launched back in 2002, the SR3 RS is one of the most popular and successful models by the British manufacturer. Built to FIA standards and design cues inspired by the LeMans->ke1591-racing Radical->ke3734 SR9 LMP2, the current-generation SR3 RS is all about gaining the best performance by improving aerodynamics and decreasing weight.

With seating for two and a chassis built for going around corners fast, the SR3 RS is one of the most fun yet terrifying track-day cars for both the driver and the passenger.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2014 Radical SR3 RS.

2014 Radical SR3 RS

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Radical SR3 RS
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 210
  • Torque: 130 @ 10500
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The objective behind the SR3 RS is pretty simple: make one of the most extreme and crazy track toys. To achieve that, Radical has taken up the most simple and effective approach by decreasing weight and adding power. While doing that, the exterior design has been approached in the same way. The body is there to achieve the best downforce and reduce drag, not look good.

The exterior design of the SR3 RS takes a minimalist approach. Things are there only if they add speed or strength to the frame, everything else has been deemed unnecessary. In case you want to feel more like a pro driver, you can also have your name on the sides of the cockpit.

Up front, the car features a Formula 1->ke190-style nose and just like an F1 car, you don't get a windshield either. Huge air intakes on the sides and full-underfloor diffusers are present for the sole purpose of increasing performance and grip on the road. Out back, a large wing adds to the downforce when traveling at high speeds.

The result - a car that isn't really what one would call "beautiful." We aren't really saying that it is ugly, just that its looks are irrelevant to the task at hand. It really is a case of "form follows function." As long as it goes fast who really cares?

2014 Radical SR3 RS - Exterior Dimensions

Length

4,100 mm (161.41 inches)

Height

1,040 mm (40.94 inches)

Width

1,790 mm (70.47 inches)

Min Weight

570 kg (1,256 pounds)


Interior

As with the exterior, the interior of the SR3 RS is all about saving weight and adding strength wherever possible. Basic creature comforts are not really a priority in the car so if you want A/C or a music system, then this certainly isn't what you are looking for.

Bathed with naked carbon fiber, and featuring padded seats, Radical reaffirms its goal of keeping the curb weight low. Lots of toggle switches on the inside give the option to choose from the various modes and also give a kind of vintage fighter jet cockpit feel.

On the inside, the SR3 RS can seat two people -- barely. The extremely low ride height and the stiff suspension will certainly do their best to churn your stomach too, but if you are up for it and the neck breaking G forces are your thing, then this is the toy for you.

Drivetrain

Powering the SR3 is a 1.34-liter four-cylinder motorcycle engine from Suzuki that is capable of pushing out 210 horsepower to the wheels via a six-speed sequential transmission. 210 horsepower may not really sound like much, but it weighs just 1,256 pounds, so the power-to-weight ratio is really up there with some of the best sports cars available today.

Sixty mph blows by in just 3.1 seconds, and the needle keeps going to a maximum speed of 155 mph. That may not be too much power and there are certainly more powerful alternatives out there, but as a track car, it really is all about torque and handling.

2014 Radical SR3 RS - Exterior Dimensions

2014 Radical SR3 RS - Exterior Dimensions

1340 CC Four-cylinder double overhead cam engine

Type

210 HP

Horsepower

130 LB-FT @ 10,500 RPM

Torque

155 MPH

Max Speed

3.1 sec

0-60 MPH

5.3 sec

50-100 MPH

2.0

Braking Gs

2.5

Cornering Gs

2m 25sec


Prices

Prices for the base version of the 2014 SR3 RS is expected to begin at $95,000 in the U.S., and can be expected to go up to $130,000 for the fully loaded version.

Competition

BAC Mono

Another British track toy and probably one of the best looking track vehicles in the market is the the BAC Mono. It is available only as a single seater and it looks more like a futuristic robot than a car. Under the hood is a 2.3-liter engine putting out 280 horsepower, so it's certainly a more powerful option compared to the Radical. Pricing is in the same range as the Radical and it's road legal too, so certainly something to ponder about if you are looking for a track car that is also road legal.

KTM X-Bow GT

Probably one of the relatively civilized options in track cars, the Austrian car is powered by a 2.0-liter, 280-horsepower engine. However weighing in at 1,867 pounds, it's also much heavier than the Radical. Pricing is in the same range as the Radical and the BAC. However the X-Bow GT now comes with windshield and doors with some additional relatively luxurious features so if you are looking for a slightly less insane ride, this just might be the one for you.

Conclusion

The Radical SR3 RS is one of those cars where you just cannot go by rational reasoning to justify why it's good. It is not really a looker, certainly not the most powerful and it's expensive for a car that is only going to be driven on the weekends. It's built purely for fun, going around tracks fast and experiencing neck-breaking forces to test your body's limit.