OPINION ABOUT RADICAL CARS AND SERVICE

[giorgio67]

Hi gents,

I'm very intrigued in the Radical cars world and I'd like to know your opinion about that, how is considered in the UK cars world the Radical brand and their build quality and service?

Seems to me that they are very well considered in the race world, also, is the company owned by UK people or something else?

Thanks

Giorgio

[Arun_D]

Calling @Vipers 📢

He will definitely be able to help you out with your query.

[Vipers]

Hi Giorgio,

I've been running a Radical SR1 for racing for the last 3 years but I guess their road car setup will be a little different from the race side but they are good guys, you really need to speak to Dominic Lee at Radical, he is their top sales guy and is a good bloke.

Very tempted by the Rapture myself to be honest but have a couple of cars on the hit list before then.

Any questions feel free to shout.

Cheers,

Paul.

[giorgio67]

Thank for your reply Paul, yes the Rapture is awesome but very overpriced to me, I'm more intrigued, for budget reason...by the SR3 SL but I'm just thinking about it, also it's very hard to find a good one.

The other car on top of my list is the Lotus 2-Eleven so would be interesting to hear something about the differences of the two cars, being the Radical obviously more extreme, also for the Lotus, finding a perfect LHD is not easy, I think the Lotus will keep the value better?

Giorgio

 

[EldonZ]

@giorgio67 You might want to reach out to @Jack because he has had a Radical and currently owns a 211.

Later,
Eldon

[Jack]

@giorgio67 -- As usual @EldonZ is right on the money...... owned both as track-only cars.  2012 SR3 (1500)/2008 2-Eleven, both purchased new.

Sold the Radical in 2014; still have the 2-Eleven.   

In a nutshell, 211 faster on straights, Radical has better aero and pulls more G's in the corners.....hence Radical has better lap times.  Both were and are a blast to drive.

Radical maintenance cost much higher than the Lotus.

 

[geartox]

@Jack and the running cost of the SR3 comparing to your CUP R ?

 

[Jack]

SR3 running cost much higher than the CupR.....primarily due to the Radical factory's recommended refresh of the SR3 engine every 40 hours.

[rallyesax]

On the 1500cc obviously but what about the SR3 SL @giorgio67mentionned above? Not a bike engine, lower revs, should be quite cheaper on that dpt. But heavier on an other side... 

[geartox]

@Jack I am thinking about buying an SR3 RS from 2013. A friend propose one to me. But I know nothing about Radical. 

I will ask details to the vendor about running cost, engine and gearbox maintenance,  tyres, brake pads...

[Jack]

@geartox -- Nicolas, for track use, you are best served with the standard 1340cc engine.  You can go much longer before refreshes than with the 1500.  In fact, even though the factory may recommend 40 hours if using the 1340 for racing, we've seen them go more than 100 hours with no issues.  Some people run them until they self-destruct (200-250 hours and maybe even more, if following good routine maintenance) and then look for a used 1340 engine out of a  salvaged (wrecked) motorcycle with low miles.

Also, if going used Radicals, post 2010 MY versions are better, as hardware improvements were made to the TCU and the use of Life ECUs improved shifting characteristics significantly -- 2013 should be good.  You would also like to know about overall maintenance and # of hours on the car,  as many components are "lifed-out" after a certain number of hours, like suspension uprights, wing supports, axles, etc.

Radical provides a guide with recommendations on when various components should be inspected and replaced solely based upon hours of use. Here's a link to the Radical Owners Manual covering your possible 2013 SR3 purchase....page 17 covers Component Lifing....

https://radicalsportscarregistry.com/sr3-gen-2-2009-to-2014-owners-handbook/

The Radical will turn much better lap times than virtually any sports car even when driven at 70% of its potential....enjoy.  

[geartox]

 

 

awesome car and followed by the same guy since day 1.

But the running cost is indeed very expensive around 10K euros all 40 hours just for engine/gearbox 😭. 

 

[DJW]

Bought an early road registered SR3 just before Xmas.  Finely got it out last weekend    Much more hardcore than the 2-11 for road use.  Yet to take it on track  

 

Edited April 9, 2021 by DJW

[philcool]

Very nice 👍

[geartox]

I have driven for the first time during few laps a Radical (SR3 XX). I love it.😍

 

[pete]

https://www.facebook.com/reel/173026928414397?s=yWDuG2&fs=e