Teamspeed Quick Spin: Veritas RSIII
A 5.0-litre V10 made by BMW is usually a good basis to build a car around. But when that car weighs little more than one tonne, then you’d better put your reflexes on high alert. It’s the most insane car I’ve driven, apart from the Bugatti Veyron (which is a completely different kettle of fish) and we’re not just talking about the design.
It’s the same overall dimensions as a Lamborghini Aventador, except it’s half the height.
On the roll, with no traction control, it’s quite happy to wag its tail…at 200km/h. And when those 325s at the back do let go, well, let’s just say that wearing white underwear would not be wise.
The sound is unhindered so the full rawness of the V10s F1 connection comes through loud and clear. At 8000rpm it’s deafening, but you’re happy to sacrifice your eardrums on the altar of aural pleasure.
The steering is also unmolested. It’s heavy – there’s no power assistance – so the feel is perfect, and thankfully they fixed it up from the concept car I drove in 2009 – it’s now less likely to kill you, which is nice.
The brakes, however, are quite likely to kill you because there’s no servo boost, meaning you have to stand on them to make them work. It’s unsettling, particularly when a truck decides to brake hard in front of you – the last thing you want is to be diced by two rear wheels. When up to temperature, it stops extremely quickly.
The ride? Are you kidding? It’s a track car; say no more.
However on a track it’s devastatingly fast. 0-100km/h takes just 3.2 seconds, but that’s with traction problems trying to get off the line. Its rolling acceleration is just ferocious.
And then there’s the problem of having no windshield and getting up close and personal with every bug in your town. Best wear glasses when driving this thing. At over 300km/h it’s almost like someone is throwing a baseball at your head. Yep, it’s a whole new level of fun.
But if you want a car to get looks, this is it. It’s madness with four wheels.
It gets the Teamspeed tick of approval.