The Stratos, although a magnificent car, had many shortcomings, so, in designing the CORSE, we decided to improve on the original, not just replace it "warts and all". We also endeavoured to produce a car, where the construction would be straight-forward and achievable, in a reasonable length of time, without the builder having any sophisticated engineering skills.
The CORSE chassis has been independantly tested, and found to have a torsional deflection figure of 6000 lb ft/degree. STATUS has awarded us their "Blue Riband" for chassis performance and design - a title of which we are very proud.
The beauty of the CORSE's design construction is that the engine bay is large enough to accomodate virtually any transverse engine/transmission unit. Even a Ferrari V8 can be accomodated.
The front suspension geometry has been updated, and with our own design cast aluminium steering rack, the handling characteristics now match the performance of the car.
By using the facilities and expertise at The Metropolitan University of Manchester, all important aspects of our design have beedn checked, or tested, by them, so that you are assured of buying a safe, well-engineered car.
WHICH KIT Magazine, said of the original development CORSE, "Without reservation, I can say that this is the safest and best road holding car I have ever experienced."
Those wishing to compete in motorsport need look no further than the CORSE. A CORSE I fitted with a Honda V6 engine has been sucessfully campaigned in UK National rallies by Garry Midwinter, winning outright on several occasions, against such opposition as Coswoth 4x4s and Lancia Integrales. More recently the car, in the hands of Bernard Rooney, has competed in some Scottish Tarmac rounds, beating such cars as Group A Escort Cosworths.
In track racing, an Alfa-powered CORSE, run by the Nick Hennessy Racing Team, successfully won the 1996 Class A title in the Auto Italia Championship, beating cars like the Ferrari 308 and 328 to the flag.
The CORSE Range comprises two models, the CORSE S and the CORSE I.
The CORSE S utilises a fully bracketed chassis fabricated from formed steel sections and tuning, incorporating an RAC certified roll-cage, forming a complete safety cage.
The body is in high quality GRP with the addition of Coremat, where appropriate, for added strength. It is unstressed to eliminate any star crazing, and is finished to a high standard in a selection of coloured gel coats, with return flanges on all parts to aid rigidity.
Choice of engine mountings for either Lancia Beta Twin Cam, or Alfa Romeo 164 3 Litre V6, as standard.
The CORSE I uses essentially the same "Blue Riband" chassis as the CORSE S, with revised suspension pick-up points, and re-styled engine bay area.
To incorporate the latest suspension design thinking, we have developed our own cast alloy uprights for both front and rear.
By using wishbone type suspension all round, we have been able to match suspension characteristics front to rear (more linear roll centre changes, equal roll couple, etc.), and produce a car with extremely high and predictable limiis, which is a pleasure to drive fast.
C.A.E. also offers a full or part-build service, including the supply and tuning of engines.
At present CAE are not producing cars, although arrangements have been made for the support of existing owners. Negotiations are underway for the CORSE kit to be produced by an alternative manufacturer. More details will be published here on the website when they are available.
NEWS FLASH!!! The CORSE is now back in production by Napiersport, an offshoot of Hennnessy Racing. They can be contacted via info@superstratos.com
