310 CV and 657 kg: this is the Specter, the most radical road-legal vehicle

Sports cars of yesteryear were known for being raw, rough and aggressive, whose control was within reach of only a handful of virtuoso drivers. However, over time this type of car has been toned down and now offers raw power but always with safety, thanks to all the electronic aids that today’s technology provides. Yet occasionally we come across vehicles like the Specter, whose philosophy is based on everything that made an old-school sports car.

The American company Specter Motor Works has been responsible for bringing this radical vehicle to life. To complement its manufacture, they turned to Ford Performance in order to count on its help. Thanks to the collaboration with the oval-badged brand, the Specter features Ford technology inside, which allows it to deliver even more surprising performance.

Aesthetically, we find a completely spartan vehicle, where great aerodynamic work prevails over a chassis and body made exclusively of carbon fibre. Only 11 centimetres separate the Specter from the ground, helping it take corners in an extraordinary way. Although the vehicle is not ideal for everyday tasks, the company has made sure its occupants are as comfortable as possible once seated.

This is achieved with manually adjustable seats, the option to install a satnav and the presence of a glovebox to stow our personal belongings. Although the appeal of the Specter being road-legal lies in being able to reach the track while seated in it. But we must place special emphasis on the versatility the Specter offers despite being such a radical vehicle inspired by Formula 1.

This can be seen in the suspension fitted to the American sports car, which uses a double wishbone system. The dampers allow 324 different settings, and the brand offers the option of fitting adjustable suspension and using different driving modes. But, to give sense to this complex, finely calibrated system, a powertrain of the right calibre is required.

It is in this section that Ford has intervened, since the company has provided the Specter with two engines. As standard, the radical sports car features a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine at the rear capable of delivering 252 CV. However, customers who are even more inclined towards intense experiences have the option of fitting a 2.3-litre engine producing 310 CV, which derives from the Focus RS. Both powerplants are paired with a six-speed manual gearbox.

With a 40-60 weight distribution, the Specter stands out as one of the most radical and effective track-focused vehicles ever built. Although it is permitted to drive this sports car on American roads, its design is clearly focused on the circuit, where its fortunate owners will enjoy it like never before. That said, the Specter is built to order only.