Based in Boston, U.S.A, Rapier Automotive has spent the past five years preparing its mid-engine supercar and is now finally taking orders. Being almost entirely hand-built, the Rapier Superlight Coupe, or SL-C for short, is completely customisable and can provide customers with different powerplant, color and interior options.

In terms of power potential customers can choose from three Chevrolet-derived engine choices, all of which can be dropped under the clamshell bonnet behind the passenger compartment. These include a base 6.2-litre LS3 V-8 with 480 horsepower, a 7.0-litre LS7 V-8 with 505 horsepower and a big dog supercharged 6.2-litre LS9 V-8 with 638 horsepower. The LS9 motor is the same unit from the Corvette ZR1 supercar.

Power is sent to the back wheels through a six-speed Ricardo manual transmission, and with a kerb weight of just 1,077 kgs, the Rapier is in fact Superlite will sprint to 100 kph from standing in less than 3.0 seconds and go all the way to a top speed of 357 kph.

The supercar uses an all-aluminum, monocoque chassis and is finished with composite body panels that gives the car a race look. To stop the beast, brakes with 13-inch rotors in the front and 11.8-inch rotors in the back are used both with six-piston calipers.

Pricing for American customers starts at $179,000 USD and test drives can be arranged through the company’s Boston headquarters.

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