In a recent groundbreaking event that has stirred excitement in the automotive realm, Rodin Cars’ latest hypercar, the FZERO, made its highly anticipated track debut. This prototype, an epitome of high-performance engineering, was put through its paces at the brand’s state-of-the-art facility near Mount Lyford, New Zealand.
The FZERO, a closed-cockpit marvel, is Rodin Cars’ ambitious foray into the realm of ultra-high-performance hypercars. It aims to rival established track-only models from global giants such as Aston Martin, Gordon Murray Automotive, and Mercedes-AMG, just to name a few.
Under the hood, the FZERO boasts a powerful twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V10 engine, known as the RC.TEN was meticulously designed by Rodin Cars’ founder and CEO, David Dicker. This engine propels the FZERO with an output of 1013 hp (1,026 PS) at 9500rpm, indicating its potential to reach top speeds of 223.7 mph (360km/h).
The track debut, with Dicker himself behind the wheel, was not only a test of the car’s capabilities but also a symbol of Rodin Cars’ commitment to challenging the conventional boundaries.
Following several installation laps, the FZERO returned to the pit complex for a debrief and systems check, affirming its readiness for the rigorous development journey ahead. This momentous occasion was met with enthusiasm from the Rodin Cars staff, who lined the circuit, witnessing the hypercar’s prowess.
Merging artistic philosophy with automotive engineering
Rodin Cars, an entity synonymous with high technology and high performance in the automotive world, began its journey with the vision of its founder, David Dicker, a figure of remarkable ambition and innovation, qualities that have defined his life’s work.
His journey began far from the racetracks in the world of IT. Dicker and his then-wife Fiona started their venture in the IT industry by importing microcomputers from the United States in 1978. This Australian venture evolved into Dicker Data, a distribution company that established itself as a market leader over the years. With his success in the IT sector, Dicker accumulated significant wealth, which later fueled his passion for motorsports and automotive engineering.
The origin story of Rodin Cars can be traced back to 1999, with its name inspired by the sculptor Auguste Rodin and his work of art called “The Thinker,” embodying a philosophy of critical thinking and solution-driven approach, principles that would become the foundation of David Dicker’s future company.
However, it wasn’t until 2006 that the physical foundation of Rodin Cars was laid when Dicker purchased a 550-hectare property in North Canterbury, New Zealand, a location ideal for a world-class testing and manufacturing facility. This remote location, chosen for its suitability for building a private racetrack and away from the bustling city, is where Dicker could realize his dream of developing high-performance sports and race cars.
The growth of Rodin Cars is marked by significant developmental milestones. In 2012, the construction of the first test track, known as Stage 1, commenced, followed by the development of Stage 2 in 2014. The Stage 3 Track and Pit Garages were completed in 2018, enhancing the facility’s testing capabilities.
A key development in 2016 was the acquisition of the Lotus Type 125 concept. The project, initially designed to bring the Formula 1 experience into a publicly available track-day vehicle, was taken over by Rodin Cars and marked a significant step in the brand’s evolution and a precursor to the development of the Rodin FZED, a car reminiscent of modern Formula One vehicles, powered by a Cosworth-built 3.8-litre V8 engine.
Dicker’s vision for Rodin Cars extends beyond just creating fast cars; he aims to redefine the limits of automotive performance. His aspirations even led him to consider entering the exclusive realm of Formula 1. However, after exploring possibilities such as acquiring the AlphaTauri team, he faced challenges in finding a commercially viable path into F1. This setback did not deter him. Instead, it fueled his determination to continue pursuing innovative projects in motorsport.
Further cementing its commitment to motorsport, Rodin Cars has formed a strategic partnership with Carlin, a race team renowned for nurturing rising talent and achieving racing excellence across the world. Known for its success in junior motorsport since the late 1990s, Carlin has a rich history of winning, particularly in British F3, where the team laid its early foundations.
Their victories span across an array of championships, including Formula Renault 3.5, British F4, FIAF3 European Championship, GP3 Series, EuroFormula Open, Indy Lights, Porsche Supercup, and even the Asian Le Mans Series, underscoring their versatile and winning pedigree.
Many of today’s most successful drivers, including almost half of the current F1 field, like Lando Norris, George Russell, Kevin Magnussen, and Carlos Sainz, are alumni of Carlin, showcasing the team’s role in shaping top-tier racing talent.
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The transformation into Rodin Carlin in early 2023, following investment by David Dicker, marked a significant milestone. This move, with Rodin Cars becoming the majority shareholder of the prestigious British team, boosted the team’s performance ambitions on the track but also solidified the business foundations of both entities.
The ethos of Rodin Cars is deeply inspired by the meticulous and thoughtful approach of Auguste Rodin’s art. This philosophy is reflected in every aspect of the company’s operations, from the design and prototype phase to manufacturing, where each step is methodically contemplated and refined.
The company’s commitment to excellence can also be appreciated in its state-of-the-art facility at Mount Lyford, which houses various departments dedicated to the construction of Rodin Cars, leveraging the latest in technology and innovation.
The FZERO, David Dicker’s ultimate track car, embodies the essence of Rodin Cars – a vehicle designed without constraints, aiming to surpass even the performance of current Formula 1 cars.
A snippet into FZERO’s high-tech manufacturing
The Rodin FZERO represents a significant leap in the realm of high-performance vehicles. This car, scheduled to enter production three years after its initial reveal, embodies the company’s commitment and CEO David Dicker’s lifetime dream to push the boundaries of automotive engineering.
The Rodin FZERO is meticulously designed with an emphasis on weight reduction and aerodynamic efficiency. The chassis, made entirely from carbon fiber composite, is crafted to optimize airflow and enhance performance on the track. This focus on lightweight materials is evident in the car’s total weight of just 1,539 pounds (698 kg), contributing significantly to its agility and speed.
At the heart of the FZERO lies a groundbreaking 4.0-litre V10 twin-turbo engine, developed in collaboration with renowned engine manufacturer Neil Brown Engineering. Named the RC.TEN, this engine is a marvel of modern engineering, achieving the status of being both the lightest and most compact V10 ever built, weighing in at just 291 lbs (132 kg). Despite its lightweight design, it does not compromise on power, delivering a combined output of 1176 hp and 757 lb-ft (1026 Nm) of torque while being capable of revving up to 10,000 rpm.
The FZERO’s drivetrain features a bespoke gearbox unit, a collaboration between Rodin Cars and Ricardo UK. This gearbox, weighing just under 145.5 lbs (66 kg), is housed in a titanium 3D printed case, showcasing Rodin Cars’ state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities. The differential is sophisticated, being hydraulic and computer-controlled, ensuring unmatched performance on the track.
Equipped with front and rear 380 mm PFC Carbon-Carbon brakes and Titanium calipers, the FZERO demonstrates exceptional stopping power, vital for a car of such high performance. The braking system is further enhanced with ABS and traction control and includes a regenerative braking feature from the hybrid system. The wheels and custom-made 18-inch forged magnesium rims produced in collaboration with OZ Racing meet F1 standards. The car is fitted with race-spec full-slick tires from Avon, which can be changed to meet various weather conditions.
The FZERO’s aerodynamic design is one of its most striking features. The car’s massive wings and floor can produce up to 8,818 pounds (4000 kg) of downforce. This capability, relative to the car’s weight of just 1,539 pounds (698 kg), is a testament to Rodin Cars’ expertise in aerodynamics.
David Dicker remains at the helm
The track debut of the Rodin FZERO hypercar in New Zealand’s South Island signifies a pivotal moment for Rodin Cars. It represents the transition of the FZERO from concept to reality, showcasing its capabilities in a real-world setting. This event, held at the company’s custom-built test track, not only tested the car’s performance but also served as a tangible display of the progress made since the car was first announced.
The initial test involved several critical installation laps necessary for assessing the car’s systems and performance under track conditions. After these initial runs, the FZERO was brought back to the pit complex for a comprehensive debrief and systems check. This careful examination was crucial in evaluating the car’s performance, ensuring that every aspect functioned as intended. The feedback gathered during this stage was integral to guiding the next steps in the car’s development, with a focus on refining and optimizing its performance for future tests.
David Dicker’s involvement in the FZERO’s track debut is more than symbolic; it underscores his hands-on approach to the project. As the founder and CEO of the company, his personal test drive of the FZERO reflects his commitment to the project and his confidence in the vehicle’s capabilities. Dicker’s experience as a technology entrepreneur and racing enthusiast uniquely positions him to lead the development of a car that aims to break new ground in the hypercar segment.
Dicker’s vision for the FZERO is ambitious and forward-thinking. His statement following the test drive encapsulates his pride and the collective achievement of Rodin Cars in bringing this project to fruition. His remarks about the car being “like no other” and the road ahead for testing and development highlight his commitment to continuous improvement and innovation. Dicker’s ambition is to redefine what is possible in the realm of track-focused hypercars.
The reaction of Rodin Cars’ staff to the FZERO’s track debut was one of inspiration and pride. Witnessing the culmination of their hard work and innovation take to the track was a significant moment for the entire team. General Manager Emma Duncan’s comments reflect this sentiment, highlighting the FZERO as a representation of engineering excellence and a milestone in the company’s journey. The staff’s response illustrates the collective effort and passion that has gone into developing the FZERO.
The FZERO’s debut marks a key milestone in the evolution of Rodin Cars, with the car’s successful test run signifying a pivotal development in the company’s history. This achievement is not just about the technical capabilities of the FZERO but also about the potential future directions for Rodin Cars. The company’s aspiration to challenge established track-only hypercars positions the FZERO as a critical component in shaping the company’s future.
Furthermore, the ongoing development of the RC.TEN engine, which also includes a naturally aspirated iteration, demonstrates once again Rodin Cars’ commitment to exploring new frontiers in engine technology. The potential application to offer the RC.TEN as a crate motor for motorsport applications indicates the broader potential impact of this engine in the racing world.
Notably, the RC.TEN powerplant has been showcased at the Performance Racing Industry Show, allowing enthusiasts to marvel at it alongside LINK Engine Management, highlighting its significance in the context of global motorsport and automotive engineering.
On the brink of greatness
With the begining of production announced last year, the FZERO’s development is a story of meticulous engineering and ambition. The early stages of its creation, involving two prototypes developed by Neil Brown Engineering in the UK, set the stage for its return to New Zealand. Here, in its spiritual home, the FZERO underwent the final stages of preparation, gearing up to challenge Europe’s renowned hypercars.
With a rumored price tag of around £1.8 million ($2.26 million), the FZERO is an embodiment of a larger vision. With plans to build only 27 examples of the FZERO, Rodin Cars is poised to offer an exclusive, unparalleled driving experience.
As we anticipate FZERO’s official debut and its entry into competitive racing next year, it is clear that Rodin Cars is forging a new path in the hypercar market. With a focus on innovation, performance, and exclusivity, the FZERO is a symbol of Rodin Cars and its CEO’s ambition and dedication to engineering and motorsport excellence. The future looks bright for this pioneering brand.
