Murtaya
| Murtaya | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Murtaya Sports Cars Ltd. |
| Production | 2006-present |
| Designer | Dan Muir, Tom Taylor, Neil Yates |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Roadster |
| Body style | 2-door convertible |
| Layout | FA (Front engine / AWD) |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
2.0 L Turbo H4 2.5 L Turbo H4 150-400 hp |
| Transmission |
5-speed manual 6-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Curb weight | 850-925 kg (1870-2035 lbs) (dry weight) |
The Murtaya is a lightweight, AWD, turbocharged flat-4 roadster based on the GC-generation (1992–2000) Subaru Impreza WRX STi. The Murtaya is the only low volume MSA approved category 2, specialist rally car currently available. The Murtaya Sports car is built, sold and is currently being further developed by Murtaya Sports Cars Ltd based near Exeter, Devon
History
Originally known under the codename AMS1, the Murtaya was first announced to the world on April 11, 2006 as a kit car that would be based on the Subaru Impreza. The Murtaya was basically a complete rework of the Delfino Feroce, as Adrenaline Motorsport—having just taken over rights to the Feroce—decided that the Delfino had enough shortcomings to warrant a redesign. The Minari—of which Adrenaline Motorsport also had the rights—was also used as inspiration.
The Murtaya project was led by Neil Yates, Managing Director of Adrenaline Motorsport, and Tom Taylor, Head Eengineer of Adrenaline Motorsport. Daniel Muir was the Head Designer of the Murtaya; his past credits includes the first generation Lotus Elise and Aston Martin models.
The Murtaya is literally created by these three people: the name 'Murtaya' is actually the conglomeration of the three directors' surnames (MUR from Muir, TA from Taylor, YA from Yates).
The IPR to the Murtaya in its entirety was adopted by one of the early investors after the demise of Adrenaline Motorsport in 2010. Determined not to let the unique car be forgotten, the investor started Murtaya Sports Cars Limited. Based near Exeter in Devon, Murtaya Sports Cars Ltd is now producing the kits and factory built cars as well as further developing the car in order to take it to the next level.
Three Murtaya's were built under licence in New Zealand by Les Summerfield of Rangiora between 2009 and 2012. They retailed for NZ$35,000 which made them expensive in a market where they were competing against Mazda MX-5's.[1]
Composition
The basis of the Murtaya consists of a GRP monocoque tub with a front spaceframe that contains the engine. The front suspension attaches to the spaceframe while the rear suspension attaches directly to the monocoque tub.
The Murtaya was initially created as a kit car for financial reasons, but it is currently offered in many different types of packages:
- People can buy the comprehensive Murtaya kit (or several different modular versions of the kit) and assemble their Murtaya themselves; the Murtaya is a single-donor car, meaning that you do not need to match parts from various donor cars in order to complete the car (like many kit cars out there).
- A rolling chassis build is also available for people who want to finish the build themselves.
- Fully finished turn-key builds are also available.
- In some markets (Middle East, etc.), the Murtaya can be bought as a brand new car (i.e., even the donor car is brand new).
Specifications
The Murtaya is offered in many different variations. The two major types are the road car spec and the track car spec. The former offers a full windshield and things like AC, leather, sound insulation, power windows, central locking, etc. The latter has only a small windscreen and cuts out options to save weight.
The type of donor car used as a basis also affects the resulting Murtaya. Standard naturally aspirated Impreza models can be used (AWD with about 150 hp (110 kW) and 5-speed manual transmissions). The next step up is a WRX model (usually with horsepower in the lower 200's and a 5-speed manual). The WRX STi donor will have an upper 200 hp (150 kW) flat-four and a 5/6-speed transmission. The highest spec donor would be an STi Type-RA or Type-R, which will have a six-speed transmission and a driver controlled central differential and limited-slip front and rear differentials. Adrenaline Motorsport sells Murtayas in even higher states of tune (up to and exceeding 400 hp).
| Trim | Dry Weight | Power | Transmission | Estimated 0-60 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Road Car | 925 kg (2035 lbs) | 276 hp | 5-Speed | 4.1 sec |
| Road Car | 925 kg (2035 lbs) | 350 hp | 6-Speed | 3.5 sec |
| Track Car | 850 kg (1870 lbs) | 395 hp | 6-Speed | 2.7 sec |
Sources
- Murtaya Sports Cars (MSC Ltd) Official Site
- Adrenaline Motorsport Official Site
- Middle Eastern Murtaya Distributor
- New Zealand Murtaya Owner Site
- Murtaya Owner Site
- The Car Connection
- The Auto Channel
- Cornwall Business
- Japanese Performance Magazine, March 2007, "Flat-Four Flair"
References
- ↑ Spare Parts, Magazine of the Constructors Car Club, Lower Hutt, Issue 4, Volume 28, pages 9