The brand new rangetopping Zenos E10 the ‘R’ has been announced this week featuring a new powerplant – the Ford-sourced turbocharged 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine, which uses a bespoke ECU developed with Zenos’ partner Specialist Components to deliver 40 per cent more power (350bhp) and 19 per cent more torque (349lb/ft). Thanks to a power-to-weight figure of 500 bhp/tonne, the Zenos E10 R delivers very pleasing performance.

The engine’s responsiveness is further heightened by a lightened flywheel assembly and newly-developed three-inch diameter exhaust system. The latter also delivers a purposeful exhaust note, which leaves no uncertainty about the elevated levels of performance on offer.

Inside, the shortened gearlever of the E10 R makes rapid gear changes with the standard six-speed transmission easy, adding pleasure to road driving and aiding drivers in search of quicker lap times on the track. Comfort and support are offered by the standard twin-skin composite seats, which are fitted with four-point racing harnesses to enhance safety.

In keeping with its track and fast road brief, the braking performance of the E10 R has also been uprated, with ventilated discs and uprated four-pot callipers fitted as standard. The dynamic abilities of the E10 and E10 S have been universally praised, and the E10 R builds on these with detailed changes to spring and damper rates.

Advanced lightweight construction

The E10 R reinforces the lightweight philosophy of Zenos Cars, as demonstrated by with the new wheels of the E10R, which together are almost 10kg lighter than those fitted to the E10 S. The reduction in unsprung mass results in even more precise wheel control, increasing grip and body control.

Like its stablemates, the E10 R is built around the extremely strong yet lightweight Zenos hybrid chassis and has a dry weight of just 700kg. The carbon composite cockpit and steel safety cell are identical to those of the E10 and E10 S, as are the race car-like inboard springs and dampers that connect directly to the front of the spine – protecting them from damage and reducing unsprung mass. The E10 R incorporates adjustable suspension, allowing track day drivers to tune behaviour to suit track layout and driving style.

In keeping with the Zenos philosophy that its cars should offer driving thrills and affordability, the Zenos E10 R is priced from just £39,995 inc VAT.

The E10 R Drive Edition

The Zenos E10 R will initially be available as an exclusive Drive Edition, named after the company’s design partners, who created the unmistakable form of the E10. The E10 R Drive Edition will be immediately recognisable, thanks to the unique black anodised finish of its aluminium spine, visible from inside the cabin, Satin Black front and rear splitters and side winglets, and Satin Black interior trim. Optional on the E10 R, and standard on the E10 R Drive Edition, is a newly developed colour that hints at the new model’s serious performance credentials: Charged Graphite.

Additional equipment also standard on the Drive Edition includes; one-way adjustable dampers, quick-release steering wheel and uprated master cylinders.

The E10 R Drive Edition also boasts an upgraded interior specification, with six-point harnesses, carbon leather trim and carbon seats all fitted as standard equipment. Just 15 examples of the E10 R Drive Edition will be available, at the price of £43,995 inc VAT.

January debut at Autosport International

The Zenos E10 R makes its international debut at Autosport International 2016 show (January 14-17 at the NEC, Birmingham), reflecting its brief to deliver maximum performance and driving thrills on the track and on the road.

Commenting on the new model, Mark Edwards, founder and MD of Zenos Cars, said: “As the fastest and most focused car we have yet created, the Zenos E10 R is a hugely exciting stage in the development of our company’s story. Yet it is also a logical progression, building on the strengths of the E10 and the E10 S to deliver even greater driving thrills.

“Thanks to its advanced architecture and natural balance, it was always clear that the E10 could handle even more power than the ‘S’ offers. Yet it is vital that any new Zenos model features the Zenos hallmark of affordability, and the E10 R is perhaps the most accessible way to join the 500 bhp/tonne car club.”

Chris Weston, Head of Development at Zenos Cars, added: “The development of the E10 R was not just about making it extremely fast and even more responsive – we’ve worked hard to ensure that the driving pleasure that lies at the heart of the Zenos experience has also been turned up to the next level.”

Matt Windle, Operations Director at Zenos Cars, concluded: “It’s always been important to Zenos that the cars we produce are affordable to own and enjoy. The 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine from Ford was therefore a natural choice for the E10 R, delivering low ownership costs as well as thunderous performance.”

Orders are now being taken for the E10 R, which sits at the top of a three-model E10 family. The range begins with the 200bhp E10, priced from £24,995 inc VAT and also includes the 250bhp turbocharged E10 S, priced from £29,995 inc VAT ENDS.