Australian Spartan first look: 800 kg, 400 hp, 0–100 km/h in 2.4s

Amid well-known track toys like the Ariel Atom, a far rarer—and even more extreme—contender has surfaced: the Australian Spartan. Built by hand in small batches, it stuns with a blend of minimalism, power and lightness. Weighing just 800 kg, it undercuts a Mazda MX‑5, while the supercharged take on Honda’s 2.4‑liter engine (Rotrex compressor, forged internals) delivers 400 hp. That recipe translates to 0–100 km/h in 2.4 seconds and a 280 km/h top speed.

The carbon body tips the scales at under 20 kg, and the aero package produces up to 300 kg of downforce at 250 km/h—thanks to the splitter, diffuser and an adjustable wing. The double‑wishbone suspension uses TracTive active dampers that tune themselves to g‑loads. AP Racing brakes and Yokohama slicks round out a package that promises grip on par with junior single-seaters.

Inside, the Spartan is just as single‑minded: Tillet carbon buckets, six‑point harnesses and a minimalist instrument cluster. Switching the steering from one side to the other takes only minutes—the layout is symmetrical. The appeal isn’t about show, but about clarity of purpose: as little mass as possible, crisp responses and robust safety, including an FIA‑compliant roll cage. It reads like a car built for the stopwatch rather than the valet.

Production is limited to 300 units, and pricing depends on the market. Even so, the Spartan stands out as one of the more attainable paths to race‑car‑grade performance.