At this stage of development and competing in various races, we believe that the Saker concept is working very well.

To produce a sports-car that performs well both on the road and in competition, looks the part and is affordable, has been a challenge.

The recent change to Subaru boxer turbo type engines has been the correct one in my view. The envisaged advantages of low centre of gravity, lightweight, good power output in standard form and availability. The higher crankshaft centre and deep sump design of the boxer engine enables us to avoid the necessity of a complicated and expensive dry-sump system. We have not suffered any oil pick-up problems during high G-force cornering.

Another important consideration is that the engine, tranzaxle, halfshafts, rear hubs with vented discs and efficient handbrake calliper are all Subaru and bolt together. This works well and avoids adaptors and special axles etc, being required.

We use a Link management system to run the engine. These are used extensively on Subaru engines, they are easily installed, fully adjustable and reasonably priced.

The Saker SVS uses all Japanese hubs, stearing and brakes etc. A change from the earlier SV1 which were fitted with Torana - Sunbird components. The brakes we are using in competition at present are all production parts, (apart from pads), these are quite a small diameter to fit into a 13" wheel and are working extremely well in a sprint race situation. For maximum braking the discs and calipers are able to be replaced with larger competition units, in conjunction with larger diameter rims.

The SVS space-frame chassis differs only in minor detail from the well proven SV1 unit. It features an improved geometry, fabricated suspension which is now fully rose-jointed. The roll-over bar has been redesigned to meet MANZ requirements.

The change to front radiatior has proven successful. We are using the side air intakes for liquid intercoolers etc., at present.

The fibreglass body has changed very little apart from an air outlet in the front. A new front under-tray is being evaluated currently. A revised rear wing and under body is planed in the near future. These changes will be suitable for both road and track.

With our local orders plus the first Saker to Europe is due to start off-season track testing, the future for Saker Cars looks rather exciting.