New Arash AF-8 gets Z06 power, more civility

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]

The styling of the AF-8 will be similar to its big brother, with "reverse NACA ducts" behind the front wheels and a cab-forward design that's more derivative than revolutionary. The luxury appointments inside will further differentiate itself from the AF-10, with air conditioning and touch screen navigation, along with air bags, traction control and ABS.

The AF-10 is set to go on sale towards the end of the year, with production of the AF-8 beginning sometime in 2010. Arash also plans to fit the ZR1's supercharged V8 into the AF-10 nine months after the "base" model is launched. Here's to the dreamers.