Xcar goes Radical in a big way

In just a relatively short period of time, Radical Sportscars has proven to be a company true to its name. It only completed its first car in 1997 but has become among the leaders in the world of dedicated track day specials since then. These days it's even dipping its toe into the world of road models with the RXC, which stretches the definition of a vehicle for the street nearly to the breaking point. In it's latest video, Xcar Films sits down with the company's managing director Phil Abbot to talk about the business' genesis and its future.

Abbot weaves an intriguing tale. He left school at 15 to become an auto mechanic and eventually branched out into engineering. He didn't become an amateur racer until he was in his 40s. After doing that for a while, he decided that he could build a better mousetrap and set out to build a fast, affordable track car. The company's original Clubsport model was heavier and more expensive than Abbot wanted, but it was enough of a success for the business to push forward.

With the RXC the company is now aiming more at the on-road business. With a US price of $171,280, they aren't cheap, but it's hard to imagine finding a more hardcore vehicle for the street. "Our cars will always be racecars, but if people are crazy enough to put them on the road, then that gives us a good market," said Abbot in the video.