Wednesday 27th November 2002

AS ONE Online

German track car to debut at Autosport Show

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[jamesc]

I think this is the Felix Fuerbach machine. Felix used to race a MG Maestro in the WRDA. He also has a wicked looking A40 batmobile racer!

James

[AndrewD]

What I don't understand is why everybody seems to bracket the XTR2 and the Radical together. From all I've read, seen and heard (e.g. talking to Richard Ince who's been racing an SR3 against the Westfield) they aren't remotely comparable, except vaguely in the looks department...

Clearly Westfield have a good publicity machine, and good luck to them for trying something different, but what am I missing here?

[PetrolTed]

Well I lump them together simply because they're radical (small R) road legal track cars. Seems a fair categorisation to me?

[jamesc]

I think the 1400cc engine is a Millington tuned "K" series Rover!

James

[jamesc]

The Radical Introsport 170 offers better value than the AS One. The AS One is priced at around 50,000 euros. If the AS One was around £15,000 + vat; it would present good value. The Radical SR3 and Westfield offer better value from established makes. I wish Felix and Jeremy good luck with their venture but it is going to be an uphill struggle for the AS One.

James

[AndrewD]

PetrolTed said: Well I lump them together simply because they're radical (small R) road legal track cars. Seems a fair categorisation to me?

Didn't mean you specifically, Ted. More of a general observation that the cars seem to be regarded in some sort of similar bracket. I'd like to see more comparisons to things like R500's etc.

[tuffer]

jamesc said: I think the 1400cc engine is a Millington tuned "K" series Rover!

James

I thought they said it was a bored out Hayabusa motor?

[jamesc]

Hi Tuffer, I think you are right; however I am not sure that this car is as good as the Westfield (around £20,000) or various Radicals. I would like to see the Top Gear Stig thrash it round and beat the Westfield but I do not rate Jeremy Vick's engineering.

James

[tuffer]

UUuuummm looks nice though.

[jamesc]

Hi Tuffer, If you saw Jez and Felix bodge their Maestro, you might have 2nd thoughts. I think there is still some info on them at www.wrda.co.uk

James

[tuffer]

I thought it was being built by a german company and the english guy was an importer or agent! Seems as if the ASONE web site has disapeared also? Strangness, anyway at 30k and not available in kit form they can poke it.

[jamesc]

Hi Tuffer, I knew these two when they were at Swansea; if you saw them fettle their Maestro; you would think twice about the AS One.

James

[tuffer]

I fail to see the connection, from looking at the ASONE site it looks a fairly professional setup. They have produced a running example which appears to be well put together and an accurate rendition of there earlier proposal.
At this stage it would be unfair to slate someone because several years ago they produced a dodgy Maestro (In Your Opinion). Anyone who can design and produce cars like this (especially in the current financial climate) should be commended, if you buy one and it falls to bits then start complaining!!

[lefty_two_guns]

Hear hear Tuffer.

I know a guy who has test driven the AS1 for a mag, he said it was 'typically German' in how well it was put together and the drive quality. (insert own mildly xenophobic joke refering to the war - as is compulsary when anyone mentions Germans)

[jamesc]

The Stig has proved the ASone is overpriced and over 10 seconds slower than the "British", more cost effective, better engineered Radical SR3.

Best Advice!

Buy British! Buy Radical!

2nd Choice! Buy Westfield or DARE!

Send that Panzer wagon home!

James

[tuffer]

Ah but did you see the build quality of the 1 on Top Gear last night? Did look very well put together.

[jamesc]

The question is do we buy the British Radical SR3 or the German and slower ASone?

James

[tuffer]

So James what do you base this on? You seem to have an axe to grind with the makers of the "As One", you have slated there expertise and product in this and other threads. What do you base this on? I have read numerous articles on the car and also watched it on Top Gear last night. Every comment I have read or seen has been very positive, yes it may be a little expensive but if it is out of your price range or you are just jealous that someone has succeeded in putting together a very professional package then please keep quiet unless you have hard facts to add. After all its all to easy to say "Its Sh*t", hey with reviews like that you could get yourself a job as a motoring journalist.

[jamesc]

Hi Tuffer,

Have you ordered one of these abortions?

regards

James

"Buy British!"

[tuffer]

jamesc said: Hi Tuffer,

Have you ordered one of these abortions?

regards

James

"Buy British!"

YES