UPDATED ON 30 JUNE 2009: the article below includes the updated and corrected information provided by Hulme Supercars on the CanAm, including details on the car development, information on their Chief Designer Tony Parker (not Chuck Pelly as wrongly reported on 15 June 2009) and the provisional price of 280,000 Euros (not 700,000 USD)

Named in honour of Denny Hulme, the only Formula One World Champion New Zealand, Hulme Supercars aims at competing in the supercars international market.

On 30 May 2009, after nearly five years of development, Hulme presented their first driveable prototype, nicknamed "Bear 1" to pay homage to Denny "The Bear".

The vehicle is not a production-ready car, anyway the body design and dimensions, the interior , engine, clutch, transaxle, and suspension layout are finalised.

The aerodynamic package (wing size and angles etc), the dashboard, the carbon-fibre tub, the lights, the suspension setup and other details are still to be finalised after testing.

The first concept was presented in in 2005 as a full size concept model with no interior or mechanicals. It was displayed at several shows, including the UK ’s Goodwood Festival of Speed and Top Marques Motor show in Shanghai, with the aim of evaluating the market potential.

Given the positive response, the project was taken to the next stage.

Among the technical highlights are a carbon composite tub and bodywork and race-orientated chassis, suspension and braking. The total weight is under 1,000 kg.

The design was pinned by Tony Parker, one of New Zealand’s leading industrial designers, currently Professor of Industrial Design at Massey University, based in Wellington.

A supportive role in the design process was also played by American automotive designer Chuck Pelly, who has worked for GM, Chrysler, American Motors, Mazda, Subaru and BMW.

The official information reports plans to to build 3 different models: the “Hulme CanAm”, the “Hulme Spyder” and the “Hulme F1”.

To honour Denny’s 2 CanAm championship wins, 1968 & 1970, the Hulme CanAm will be powered by the Chevy LS7 V8 and will be a "driver's car" with no electronic aids.

The Hulme Spyder and the Hulme F1 will be powered by different engines and have full ABS and all electronic aids.

Hulme is currently evaluating different engine possibilities, including two F1 engines manufacturers. The provisional top speed is 247.5 km/h, but the estimated target value is 330 km/h.

Left: Greeta Hulme talking to Tony parke; Chris Amon talking to Steve Maharey at TAUPO

The final car will have a carbon/leather interior with hand stitched carbon/leather seats plus a rear view camera built in to the dash on the passenger side.

Photo Credit: NZ Autocar magazine 2005

The provisional price for the CanAm is 280,000 Euros (about 220,000 UK Pounds); prices will be confirmed at the European launch in 2010.

"We are not taking orders until we have a completed road ready EU certified car to demonstrate, although we do have a large number of interested potential purchases who will be notified first when we are ready to accept orders."

Some videos on the Hulme CanAm are available at nzherald.co.nz and 3news.co.nz. For more information visit www.hulmesupercars.com.

About Tony Parker

Hulme Supercars' Chief Designer Tony Parker has a Diploma in Industrial Design from the Wellington Polytechnic School of Design and a Masters Degree from Royal College of Art (RCA), London.

Tony has won many awards for his designs including a prestigious Bursary Competition open to all design students in the UK and a Best Design Award from the Design Institute of New Zealand.

Tony’s diverse portfolio includes products ranging from furniture to petrol pumps as well as pioneering new furniture manufacturing techniques in New Zealand.

Since 1986 Tony has taught at Massey University’s College of Design Fine Art and Music. "Designing the Hulme Supercar is the culmination of a life long ambition for Tony."

(Source: Hulme Supercars, NZ Racer)