1997 also saw the
launch of the Mantis, using the Ford 4.6 Quadcam Mustang engine raising the
power output of the car from the 200 bhp in the Mantara to over 300
bhp in the Mantis in standard form.
To accommodate this engine the
bonnet was totally redesigned transforming the look of the car. The
remainder of the body was the same as the late LM 500.
In 1998 with the intention of
being the first 500bhp British sports car on the market, it was decided to
supercharge the engine and create the Mantis GT. This increased the horse
power from 327bhp to just over 500bhp. The engine was supercharged using a
Vortech supercharger combined with intercooler giving staggering
performance and a 0-60 figure on road test of 3.8 seconds.
The Mantis GT was cosmetically
enhanced with a rear underspoiler and carbon fibre dashboard as standard
fitment.
In all 51 road cars were produced
between 1997 and 2002 - 16 of these were supercharged, and the very last
Mantis being built by Marcos Heritage. Interestingly there were only
3 coupe bodied cars produced of the model.
|
Engine |
Supercharged V8
Quad Cam 4.6 Litre 32 Valve |
|
Maximum Power |
500bhp |
|
Performance |
0 - 60 in 3.8
seconds, top speed in excess of 170 mph |
|
Optional Extras |
Fliptone paint,
Alarm / Immobiliser, Rear Wing, Colour co-ordinated wheels,
Navigational Equipment, Uprated engine options, Front fog lights,
Various audio options, Galvanised chassis, Puncture alert system,
Tracker, Racing rear wing, Custom alloy wheels, |
| New Price |
£64,331 ( 1999 ) |
Mantis Challenge
The Marcos Mantis Challenge
started in 1998 as a one make series bridging the gap between the TVR
challenge and the fully blown GT series. It offered a relatively cheap
form of GT racing.
The challenge car was based on
the road going Mantis, built around a tubular steel tub incorporating
a roll cage with aluminum flooring and bulkheads, and covered by an ultra
lightweight Marcos Mantis body. The mechanical components are virtually
the same as the road car, the engines were blueprinted and sealed.
In all 38 challenge cars were
built and competed at the main UK circuits between 1998 and 1999. Many
well known up and coming drivers took part, but the series was short lived
and only lasted for two seasons.
| Engine |
Ford 4.6 Quad Cam 32 valve,
sealed, dry sump |
| Maximum Output |
395 bhp |
| Performance |
0 - 60mph in 3.9 seconds, Top
speed in excess of 170 mph. |
| Weight |
Minimum 1000kgs |
| FIA Requirements |
Roll cage, Bag tank ( 100 litres
), Fire extinguisher |
|
