Mosler Raptor Confirmed

About a month and a half ago I wrote an article speculating about a new Mosler Raptor. I speculated on what it will be and talked briefly about the history of Mosler.

Now it seems Mosler has confirmed the existence of such a car.

 

It sounds like the Raptor may be more than what I was first speculating.
What i orignially figured was the Raptor would be an evolution of the MT900S. The original Raptor featured a split front window that dramatically reduced drag. I thought that this would be the sole exterior modification to the MT900S. But here is what J. Todd Wagner, Mosler's director of engineering, said about the Raptor,

"Just wait until you see the 2012 Raptor. It's going to blow your mind. It gets a massive injection of sex appeal -- in fact, I designed the nose after the face of the most beautiful, exotic woman I've ever seen."

No mention of a split window, but no real information at all. I know I am excited to see a Mosler designed with style in mind though.

What about the engine department? As we all know, the current MT900S uses a Chevy LS7 V8. My speculation was the possibility of a LS9 making over 650hp. This engine is easily available from Chevy and would definitely fit where the LS7 was. Turns out it will be twin turbocharged.

"The powerplant adds another level of exotic to the surface, featuring twin Garrett turbos as an integral part of the exterior design." - J. Todd Wagner

While they say 650hp, it could very easily produce over 750hp. That would be a great output as it would match the Gumpert Apollo S, which I would consider its main rival. That would make a great test to see which is a superior chassis/aerodynamic package.

What about weight? I was hoping it would be put on a diet. The original Photon weighed under 2000lbs so I was hoping the Raptor would have a maximum of 2200lbs to move. According to sources it will be the same as the regular MT900S, 2500lbs. We'll have to wait and see.

 

 Here are a few last words from Wagner,

"And with the turbos just inches from the atmosphere, it sounds like you're driving a fighter jet."
"the Raptor is going to whip the Pagani Huayra"





Here is a quote that sums up Warren Mosler and the Mosler Automotive brand very well,

"While mainstream exoticar makers like Lamborghini are just now starting to get serious about lightweight construction methods, Mosler has been quietly building featherweight monsters crafted from carbon fiber and Kevlar for years. This kind of cutting-edge engineering isn't what you'd normally expect from a tiny, low-volume manufacturer from Florida, but it's the result of founder Warren Mosler's clear mission: to build amazing cars, not to sell them. Mosler doesn't seem to care if people buy his cars. "I want to do something great because I can," he says. "If we sell some, great. There will be some happy owners.""

 Spoken like a true car enthusiast. He is not out to make money of the car business, but just to make great cars.

To read Automobile magazines drive of the Mosler MT900 Photon, and their brief chat with J. Todd Wagner click here: http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews/driven/1106_mosler_photon_driven/index.html