SEMA 2009: HTT Plethore LC-750, yet another ambitious supercar startup
by Damon Lavrinc on Nov 4th 2009 at 8:59PM 
HTT Plethore LC-750 - Click above for high-res image gallery
"I'm not an engineer. I'm an electrician," Luc Chartrand admits through his thick Quebecois accent. I believe him. Chartrand, a former karting and stock-car driver, is the lone designer, engineer and founder of HTT, a Montreal-based supercar upstart, unveiling the first prototype of his 11-year masterwork at SEMA: The Plethore LC-750.
Comprised of a carbon fiber architecture and body with an integrated (and supposedly soon-to-be) FIA-certified roll-cage, the Plethora could be the first production vehicle simultaneously approved for both the road and the track, and since high-level competition is close to Chartrand's heart, it's a necessity -- he wants to see the Plethore competing in the American LeMans series.
To hang with the big boys at the upper echelons of motorsport, the Plethore has to be more than a lightweight body (2,535 pounds) and a massive stance (89 inches in the rear). So Chartrand has mounted the Corvette ZR1's LS9 longitudinally amidships and tweaked output to 750 hp. As with all start-ups, HTT plans to offer an even hotter version to the public, putting out a claimed 1,300 hp with the help of a set of turbos.
Currently channeling all that grunt to the ground is a six-speed manual, but there are plans to offer a six-speed sequential gearbox along with a limited-slip differential. Double wishbones are fitted at all four corners to keep the 19-inch (front) and 20-inch (rear) wheels in constant contact with the ground, with AP Racing brakes sized 15-inches in front (six-piston caliper) and 13-inches (four-piston caliper) in the rear.
Although the astronomical output and production-intensive architecture are the cornerstones of the project, the interior -- with its central mounted driving position, room for two occupants (sounds familiar) and roof-mounted switchgear -- are some of the more impressive details. That, and the hydraulically actuated doors, which swing upwards and close at the touch of a button.
Chartrand claims that production will begin sometime late this year, with a price tag of around $600,000 for the standard, 750-hp version and close to $1m for the 1,300-hp variant. Bold claims, but Chartrand isn't stopping there. "I want to design a helicopter next. It's my other love."
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
ALBGunner04 9:06PM (11/04/2009)
Sexy
Reply
Whitecollarcriminal 9:24PM (11/04/2009)
I wish I could build a kit car and throw in a rear Hemi 6.1L
Not only would it look hot, but it would be fast as hell.
dude 10:37PM (11/04/2009)
I kinda liked it better with cleaner lines when they called it the ultimate aero.
http://www.thesupercars.org/ssc-aero/2009-ssc-ultimate-aero/
The 3rd and 4th ones down have almost the same color scheme. Its like the aero with a cheesy bodykit.
Arkz 11:05PM (11/04/2009)
@dude. Well, that's debateable. I mean, yes, the similarities are there, but I for one think that this car is a huge improvement over the SSC, not to mention that this car can probably go round and actual corner! Also, now that I think about it, this thing actually looks a hell of a lot more like the Ascari A10.
dude 11:27PM (11/04/2009)
@Arkz. It has the same color scheme same looking front except for those ugly lines in the hood and the cartoonish back. The SSC is devilishly quick, costs as much as the 750HP variant does 0-60 in 2.7 and has 20 less horsepower. I really dont see how something so low and wide cant turn and hope your not basing your statement on stereotypes.
Elmo 10:29PM (11/05/2009)
@Arkz:
who said the Aero couldn't go around a corner? i mean the car does officially hold the record for the fastest slalom speed for a production car.
click_playaz 9:07PM (11/04/2009)
Overdone. If they take out some lines, this car would look better.
Reply
ALBGunner04 9:08PM (11/04/2009)
I actually like that. This car seems to have a lot of definition in it's style. I really like it (reminds me of a Ferrari to tell you the truth :P)
click_playaz 9:10PM (11/04/2009)
Yeah, it also remind me of F430, but F430 has a clean look. This one look so busy.
okiedokie 9:44PM (11/04/2009)
how dare u compare the f430 to this!
Nick 11:56PM (11/04/2009)
Agreed, a bit too many lines.
That said, it's an incredible achievement for a single guy to design and engineer a car like this, it usually looks like c... but this one doesn't.
ALBGunner04 10:21PM (11/04/2009)
We're just comparing aesthetics. You can't deny that the front of this car resembles the F430 in so many different ways.
speed12sil 10:56PM (11/04/2009)
I thought for a second there that okiedokie was the same person who was furious at RMS's Mid-ship Genesis for being "inspired" by F430.
Then again, he did say "how dare you" here so....heh.
mikhalian 9:08PM (11/04/2009)
Pretty awesome overall, although I don't know how I feel about the back end. Maybe I'll warm up to it.
Reply
AlittleCarLover 9:58PM (11/04/2009)
I really despise the back, but I like the lines overall. +1.
Oluseyi 9:22PM (11/04/2009)
On the fence about this one. There's much to like, but it's really all aesthetics at this point - and some of the aesthetics are questionable. Too busy in parts.
Certainly lacking the pedigree to convince me it's worth $600,000 to $1M.
Reply
StickShift 9:30PM (11/04/2009)
I think this is what the MP4-12C should have looked like.
Reply
Trent 9:37PM (11/04/2009)
seconded
Clavius 10:04PM (11/04/2009)
I further that motion! lol
+1
Brex 10:35PM (11/04/2009)
I think that the McLaren has a much more flowing and cohesive design. This seems forced and overwrought. And I can't help but think the back ended looks like it's sporting an overloaded diaper.
To AB: a photo of the full car with the door raised would have been a good shot to have.