Kiwi-built hypercar takes to the track for the first time

New Zealand’s very own hypercar built right here in our back garden, the Rodin Cars FZERO, has officially made its on-track debut, marking the start of the test and development phase.

Taking the car out for its first-ever laps of Rodin’s test track near Mount Lyford in the South Island was company founder David Dicker, who said he was impressed with its performance.

“While there’s a long road ahead of testing and development, running the FZERO for the first time gives me immense pride in what everyone at Rodin Cars has achieved in bringing this programme to life.

“The test went very well and we were able to work through our programme. We’re excited as the FZERO project enters its next phase. It really is a car like no other.”

The folks who helped put the vehicle together were also present for its first outing, including Rodin Cars General Manager Emma Duncan, who said the experience was nothing short of inspirational.

“Seeing the FZERO effortlessly take to the track was an inspirational moment. The car represents engineering excellence and is truly a masterpiece. This is a pivotal development for the future of Rodin Cars.”

You may be wondering what the purpose of the Kiwi-built hypercar is, and that’s to challenge the might of track-only models like the Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro and the Gordon Murray Automotive T.50S Niki Lauda.

Powering the FZERO is a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V10, known as the RC.TEN, which develops 755kW on 11psi of boost and is said to propel the car up to a top speed of 360km/h. Rodin also says it’s developing a naturally aspirated variant too.

While the engine was originally built in the United Kingdom by Neil Brown Engineering, it has since been moved in-house to Rodin Cars. Those who want to get their hands on an RC.TEN without the rest of the car will be pleased to know that the Kiwi company plans to sell the engine as a crate motor.