Resurrected ATS - Subaru mid-engined sports car

[bobzdar]

Apparently, the ATS company is being resurrected with 2 models, one being a mid-engined, subaru flat 4 model. ATS was originally set up by some ex-Ferrari engineers after a falling out with Enzo surrounding the 250GTO, now being resurrected (why, I don't know, but I guess it's as good a name as any). I think it shows the forward looking design that 818 has potential for, lets see how it compares to what they show at SEMA.

http://www.ats-autosport.com/2500gt/gallery/

It's a good looking car, imo. There are pictures out there of them building the body molds using a cnc'd foam plug, so they are making progress. Something tells me it'll be in the 6 figure range when complete as the Motec M600 setup isn't cheap - about 1/2 the target price of the whole 818 kit.

[WonderDude]

WOW! That's beautiful! But six figures (did I read your post correctly?) puts it in a whole different league. ...not really compeating with the 818.

[bobzdar]

WOW! That's beautiful! But six figures (did I read your post correctly?) puts it in a whole different league. ...not really compeating with the 818.

That's a guess based on the specs (500hp, motronic m600, Ohlins dampers, alcantara interior etc.). I was more looking at it from an aesthetic standpoint on what would be possible with the 818 package and how good this looks...

[Oppenheimer]

So they have both a Street version and a Track version. Remarkably similar to plan for 818 in many ways. What I see different:

- ATS street version is a coupe, not a Roadster (FFR will have a coupe 818, eventually)
- Its is a completed car, not a kit (though each car factory built to clients specs)
- Its is seriously HoF (holy lack of rear visibility Batman - must have a camera setup for rearview mirror)
- Its going to cost a LOT more than the 818
- Its not going to have many Subie donor parts

ATS is so similar in many ways to 818. This can only make the 818 more valuable. It tends to legitimize the concept of Subie powered mid-engine supercar.

Those that can afford a boutique 'Ferrari' can buy an ATS. Those that can't will be getting a lot of car for the $$ when they get an 818.

[bobzdar]

So they have both a Street version and a Track version. Remarkably similar to plan for 818 in many ways. What I see different:

- ATS street version is a coupe, not a Roadster (FFR will have a coupe 818, eventually)
- Its is a completed car, not a kit (though each car factory built to clients specs)
- Its is seriously HoF (holy lack of rear visibility Batman - must have a camera setup for rearview mirror)
- Its going to cost a LOT more than the 818
- Its not going to have many Subie donor parts

ATS is so similar in many ways to 818. This can only make the 818 more valuable. It tends to legitimize the concept of Subie powered mid-engine supercar.

Those that can afford a boutique 'Ferrari' can buy an ATS. Those that can't will be getting a lot of car for the $$ when they get an 818.

The track car isn't a version of the same car, it's completely different with a motorcycle engine and I think is already in production (or prototypes exist).

The design is what most strikes me, seriously good looking car. I hope it's successful but it will depend on if they can keep the price down in Lotus territory vs. Ferrari territory.

[Oppenheimer]

The track car isn't a version of the same car, it's completely different with a motorcycle engine and I think is already in production (or prototypes exist).

Oh, thanks for clarifying. I didn't realize that.


The design is what most strikes me, seriously good looking car. I hope it's successful but it will depend on if they can keep the price down in Lotus territory vs. Ferrari territory.

I agree on all points. I'm thinking even if its priced Lotus territory, it still adds more legitimacy to the 818 concept of mid-engine Subie supercar, without really taking any 818 sales away from FFR, which is cool.

In fact, there seems to be a sort of component car renaissance going on now, and the 818 is arriving right at the start of it.