Autoblog

click above for more pics of the Arash AF-8

Bespoke exotic automakers are popping up like reality TV shows in the spring lineup, but none seem as driven as Arash Farboud, the man behind the Farbio GTS. We have no idea how many GTSs he's unloaded, but plans are underway to create another V8 coupe called the AF-8 to slot in between the 911-fighter and the soon-to-be-released AF-10.

The AF-8 seeks to be a more civil version of the AF-10 that's less hypercar and more daily driver. Power will come from the Corvette Z06's 7.0-liter V8 producing over 500 hp and weighing in at between 2,600 and 2,800 pounds. For comparison, the AF-10, sporting the same motor tweaked to 550 hp, will tip the scales at just under 2,500 pounds. The AF-8 should be good for a sprint to 60 in around 3.4 seconds on its way to a top speed of 204 mph.

[Source: CAR]

Farbio. Not sold on the name, but we're sure there's a good reason behind it. Someone from the English sports car maker will email us and tell us that it's the maiden name of owner Chris Marsh's beloved grandmother or something, so we won't mock it, just state that it doesn't roll off the tongue. Besides, why would we want to upset the maker of such a nicely turned out car as the Farbio GTS?

There are two versions of the mid-engined sportster: fast and faster. Fast is the 262HP GTS, which can run to 60MPH in 4.8 seconds thanks to its 3-liter V6. Faster sees the V6 fitted with a supercharger, boosting the horsepower by over 100 to 384, and shaving 9 tenths off the 0-60 time, which drops to 3.9 seconds. No new ground is broken when it comes to styling, but that's not to say it's ugly, either. The GTS is reminiscent of several of our favorite cars, and the lines are trim and simple. Inside the carbon fiber shell is plenty of comfort with leather and alcantara, a nav system, and enough room for a 6' 6" driver in the Sparco seats. There's even decent storage space in the rump, so you could go grand touring for a weekend with actual luggage. Orders are backed up for the next 8 months, so you'll have time to save.

[Source: World Car Fans]