Unparalleled performance for the money
The entry-level car, the SR1, will receive the most comprehensive set of modifications from Radical Motorsport in the past six years. Radical Motorsport has announced the SR1 will be associated with both under the XXR moniker after giving its SR3 and SR10 cars the XXR treatment.
Hundreds of drivers have preferred the SR1 since the model's launch in 2012 as an entry-level, initial step into racing a Radical. Perfect for enthusiasts seeking a track-focused, downforce-derived racing car with two seats and semi-slick tyres to advance their circuit driving skills (over the full slicks of the SR3 and SR10). Radical Motorsport has increased the number of international race series in which the SR1 is permitted to compete to 12 in the 11 years since the model's debut, demonstrating both the model's significance and popularity.
The SR1 XXR revelation came after the well-liked SR3 XXR announcement from just four months ago. It also incorporates advances to its aerodynamic design in the form of a central "fin" that takes inspiration from the LMP as standard, along with similar design and engineering enhancements that emphasise ease of use and longevity. The Generation 5 1,340 cc power unit from Radical's custom engine factory will be installed in the SR1 XXR.
Radical Performance Engines (RPE), with a focus on efficiency, dependability, and lifespan, has raised suggested engine renewal intervals by 25% with its new Generation 5 liquid-cooled, four-cylinder, and 16-valve 1,340 cc unit. With a shorter warm-up period and improved thermal management, it gives SR1 XXR drivers more time on the track, allowing them to lap more quickly and aggressively. Coupled with a new drive-by-wire induction system, oil change intervals have also been extended from six to ten hours.
Additional noteworthy upgrades to the gearbox include external gear position sensors, updates to durability, and a new scavenge pump design with increased flow. The calibration of the engine and gearbox has also undergone a complete overhaul, and the flow rate of the cylinder head has been improved. Mass reductions for the ignition system, crankshaft pins, and connecting rods are other improvements. These improvements increase engine responsiveness and driving comfort without sacrificing durability. The Gen. 5 RPE racing spec engine has been optimised with usability and efficiency at the forefront, along with updated dry sump and cooling systems, enhanced coil-on-plug ignition systems, and new electronic drive-by-wire.
James Pinkerton, Radical Motorsport’s Head of Research and Development and double Radical SR1 Cup Champion, said: “The SR1 will always be special to me, as I’ve witnessed first-hand how approachable it is for drivers wanting to take the next step in their racing careers. When developing the Gen. 5 RPE engine, we wanted to optimise its potential as much as possible while staying true to what makes the SR1 so user-friendly.
“Although the entry-level racer, the SR1 XXR offers an outstanding package with unparalleled performance for the money, that will get you on the grid in a professionally administered race series. SR1 and SR3 models currently make up the majority of grids in the 12 Radical Cup championships around the world, with over 200 SR1s sold to date. Racers with the SR1 XXR will still be eligible to race in the PRO SR1 classes of Radical Cup championships around the world, too.”
Joe Anwyll, Radical Motorsport CEO, said: “The SR1 model has been key to Radical’s DNA for over ten years now, by providing aspiring drivers a window to the exciting world of motorsport, while still holding onto its approachable attributes. The past few years have seen our global race offering thrive, with 12 official Radical championships now operating worldwide. Therefore, there was no better time than now to develop and improve the SR1, to provide these aspiring racers with a chance to race at bucket-list tracks all over the world. After the launch of SR3 XXR and SR10 XXR, it was only right to align the SR1 under the XXR banner too, as, after all, it has proven to be the pillar of our company ethos – we make racers.”
With over 30 dealers operating in over 20 countries, Radical Motorsport's upgraded SR1 XXR is already available for pre-order. Production is scheduled to start later in the summer of 2023. As manufacture of the SR3 XXR began in early February 2023, customers began to see their vehicles.
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