Rapier SL-C: Sharp Car. . .from Boston

When you think “Boston,” it may be the Red Sox, baked beans, Cheers, Sam Adams, the original Tea Party. . .but exotic supercars?

Rapier Automotive is Boston-based, and has announced that its SL-C Superlight Coupe is available for customer order. These are bespoke cars. The vehicle is essentially hand-built to meet the needs of the driver as regards such things as headroom clearance, steering and pedal position, seat size, etc. To say nothing of the 14 available exterior colors and hand-stitched leather on the inside.

However, know that the car is based on an all-aluminum, TIG-welded monocoque spaceframe sheathed in composite body panels. There are three V8 engine options that are familiar to those who are familiar with Corvettes: a 6.2-liter 480-hp, a 7.0-liter 505-hp, and a 6.2-liter 638-hp supercharged mill. A six-speed Ricardo manual transmission is used.

Speaking of Corvettes, the SL-C has a curb weight of 2,375 lb., which is almost 1,000-lb. lighter than a ZR1. So, a car with the 505-hp LS7 engine can go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 222 mph.

Let’s say you want to buy one. Well, the starting price is $179,000. Rapier Automotive has two of its Superlights that are available for a test drive. If you decide that you want to have one built for you—a process that takes about nine months—then you need to put down a 50% deposit. But an added benefit is that Rapier will pick up your travel costs to Boston.

Did we mention the 0 to 60 in 3.2 seconds?