The X1 Concept has been developed over the last 30 months by X-Works Automotive with Xtreme Automobiles Ltd being the first dealer appointed in the UK.

It uses a carbon composite technology for the manufacture of the cars passenger cell. Attached to this are lightweight aluminium and carbon subframes carrying the drivetrain components.

The composite technology provides a stiff platform and also helps keep the cars weight down to a lightweight 1180kg.

Combined with the race honed chassis and the 4 cylinder turbo charged 350 bhp engine, this provides truly electrifying performance. Tuning options of up to 500 bhp are available, Recaro CS seats are fitted as standard.

There is also a 1000 kg competition version planned for those increasingly popular track days or outright competition use.

The cars designers, Andrew Borrowman and Sean Prendergast, studied Automotive Design Engineering at the University of Hertfordshire, following which they worked at Rover, Panther Cars and Grand Prix Engineering Services between them.

They have also run their own composites company designing and manufacturing for Prodrive, Alvis and JCB, among the others.

Projected retail price for the X1 is £45,000.

The X1 Sportscar Concept will be available for viewing in the Xtreme Automobiles showroom (West Midlands, UK) from 19th January 2007 until 21st January.

X Works X1 Concept - Technical Specifications

• 2 Seat Concept
• Carbon Tub
• Aluminium Subframes and Suspension
• 2 Litre Turbo Charged 350-500 BHP
• 4 Wheel Drive
• 18" Lightweight Alloys with 235/40 Tyres
• 1180kg Road Car
• 1000kg Track Car

(Source: Xtreme Automobiles via PistonHeads, Motor Authority)