A Le Mans car for the road. That, in a nutshell, was what Radical set out to create when designing the extraordinary new Radical RXC, and in a nutshell that’s exactly what they have built.

At its heart, just behind its two racing bucket seats, sits a 3.7-litre Ford V6 that produces either 350bhp in standard tune or 380bhp with a bit of tweakery to its throttle system. In both cases it’s mated to a seven-speed sequential paddle shift gearbox built specifically for the car by Quaife, who also make the torque-sensing differential that’s fitted to the car.

All up, the RXC weighs just 1,984lbs, which means it isn’t just quick but insanely fast in a straight line. Radical claims a 0-60mph time of just 2.7sec with a top speed limited by the relatively short gearing in seventh to “just” 175mph. Yup, at 175mph Radical claims the RXC produces its own weight in downforce – a full 1,984 lbs – and on the road what that translates to is a level of high speed grip that will reduce most passengers to a gibbering wreck, and leave most drivers giggling in disbelief.

Price $150,000; 0-60mph 2.7sec; Top speed 175mph; Economy 25-40mpg; Curb weight 1,984 lbs; Engine V6, 3700cc; Installation mid, longitudinal, rear wheel drive; Power 380bhp at 6750rpm; Torque 320lb ft at 4250rpm; Gearbox 7-spd paddle shift, sequential