Elemental RP1 gets more power and downforce boost

The track-focused Elemental RP1’s power output is due to rise from its current 320bhp, as an engine upgrade delivers more power. 

The upgrade comes from using a newer version of its 2.3-litre Ford Ecoboost petrol engine, although Elemental hasn’t yet tested the car for its power yet, so can’t provide a figure.

The engine shares much with that of the Ford Focus RS, but is actually the unit Ford uses in its upmarket Lincoln models in the US. In the RP1, it’s expected to produce well in excess of 350bhp, and could reach 375. Torque will remain the same, though. 

Elemental's decision to change the engine is to future-proof the car; the company predicts that it will be compliant with future emissions tests. 

The update goes further than just the engine, too. Elemental now claims that 500kg of downforce is generated by the RP1 when travelling at 150mph, up from 400kg.  This is achieved with a new flap on the car’s trailing edge. 

Since the RP1's previous update, Elemental has announced a pack that allows the car to produce 1000kg of downforce at 150mph, but is still working on making it available to customers.

Elemental currently has no plans to introduce a second model line in the foreseeable future, but a company spokesman couldn’t rule the possibility out in the long-term. Instead, it’ll focus on further refining the RP1 and establishing it in the UK, before focusing on European and finally global growth.