Have you noticed the exotic car trend of unusual names meaning low volume and high performance? Names like Koenigsegg, Gumpert and Pagani might not roll right off the tongue, but their namesake cars fly down the road. The latest to follow this trend is the Farbio Supercharged GTS.
The GTS came to be through the vision of pharmaceutical CEO/journalist/car enthusiast Arash Farboud and the development of Chris Marsh and his team over the last few years near Bristol, England. And it’s going to take them a few more years to catch up with demand, especially from the UK and U.S.; together responsible for a considerable chunk of the several hundred orders and deposits placed thus far.
So, let’s take a closer look and determine if the Farbio Supercharged GTS is really worth the wait. With evaluations on the collective qualities of luxury and practicality relative to the segment, this British upstart could score a perfect 100 points with all the right moves. Read on to learn how near -- or far -- the Farbio Supercharged GTS landed.
The luxury ride
Say what you will about smaller engines lacking cred against V8s, V10s and V12s, the Farbio Supercharged GTS does well with its mid-mounted 3.0-liter Ford Duratec V6 and Rotrex supercharger, coupled with a six-speed manual transmission. It’s tuned to dance with 384 horsepower at 6,700 rpm with 350 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm. No apologies for cylinder count are required when you can dash from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, and cross 175 mph in this 2,350-pound car. While the Farbio Supercharged GTS lacks the wail or roar of some models where exhaust note is concerned, it’s not completely uninspiring. Like hearing a familiar song remade by another band, it just takes a few spins to grow on you.Handling is neutral and cooperative through the adjustable suspension, with a good dose of feedback. That goes for the steering too. Marsh suspects the typical Farbio Supercharged GTS to see more road duty than track time, so, despite featuring power-assist, it still has reassuring weight and precision. Nineteen-inch Toyo Proxes T1-R rubber is found at all four corners, as are AP Racing four-piston calipers that haul things down abruptly and without a hint of fade after repetition.
The carbon-fiber body draping the Farbio Supercharged GTS’ tubular spaceframe chassis isn’t substantially different in appearance from the first prototype, originally named the Farboud GTS, from five years ago. “Voluptuous Lotus” comes to mind as an adequate description; it has substance, but is far from porky. To say it has aged well would be an understatement. The Farbio Supercharge GTS still looks fresh and purposeful without desperately trying to be noticed -- like some supercars we know out there. If the reverse-tapered side ducts seem a little unusual at first glance, take another look; their uniqueness adds character to the otherwise nondescript flanks.
Inside, the Farbio Supercharged GTS is another example of harmonic balance. It doesn’t pander to gadgetry like some other wannabe great ones, even if some buyers associate doodads with sticker price. The Sparco Milano leather seats look great and provide just the right support and comfort. Forget about rows of switches and gauges cluttering the works. Here, the leather dash is offset with a carbon-fiber center console with a few aluminum accents here and there. And the controls? The sound system, HVAC, satellite navigation, and Bluetooth capability are all operated through the console’s touchscreen. Front and center, the straightforward analog speedometer and tachometer have a cool, blue backlighting. The tach takes it a step further, progressing in illumination from blue to purple to red as the revs build -- and you'll be tempted to see red all the time.
The verdict
The Farbio Supercharged GTS has all the right stuff to run with the pack, but you’ll never fully blend in. And that’s the point.
The practical ride
For once, practicality is not an afterthought on a $142,000 sports car. Earlier, you read about how the Farbio Supercharged GTS interior is well-appointed. On the practical side, it also accommodates a six-foot-six-inch driver without bringing on cramps; not a common bragging point in its class. From the cockpit, outward vision is fine even from the rear and three-quarter angles.If you’re beginning to sense the Farbio Supercharged GTS was built for performance and practicality, you’d be correct. In fact, it’s conducive to frequent and long distance driving. You won’t be struggling to wrangle an over-caffeinated powertrain, so there really aren’t any drivability shortcomings to spoil a casual ride. Mileage figures aren’t yet available, but 25 mpg on the highway should be possible. That would mean the 20-gallon tank won’t drain between exits, plus there’s a real trunk that holds modest luggage or two bags of golf clubs. For a bit more space, there’s room for a small bag or two on the parcel shelf behind the seats, with custom straps to secure your haul.
Sadly, you’re sure as hell not likely to find "your nearest dealer" all that near at all. Yet, with so many orders pouring in from the States, Farbio’s single Florida retailer will presumably be joined by more. Meanwhile, there should be some consolation in knowing the Ford V6 isn’t exactly a rarity, and parts are easily located for repairs. Cracking the carbon-fiber body panels will be a heartbreaker, though. Since Farbio Supercharged GTS production goals call for three cars per week, seasons could easily pass before that new panel arrives.
Another note about that light and precious body: 10 paint colors are offered. You might even get a factory custom color, but Marsh has to approve it first. His real concern is the wrong hue could ruin the lines he’s worked so hard to perfect. And when it’s explained that way, it makes perfect sense. The right finish today won’t be regretted down the road, like the automotive equivalent of a lame tribal tattoo.
The verdict
The Farbio Supercharged GTS is a rare example of how an exotic need not abandon practicality in the quest for performance. In fact, it’s an excellent example of how the two can coexist successfully.Practicality score: 46/50
and the total is...
If you skipped ahead from the beginning and only saw the practicality score outweigh the luxury score, you'd be forgiven for your suspicion about the validity of this shake down. It’s like when you’re being bugged for a blind date with someone who “has a great personality.” Not so with the Farbio Supercharged GTS, though. If you can abandon any prejudice you have against smaller-displacement and lack of a revered name, and can wait a while for delivery, you’re going to find that this car is the total package and perhaps a bit more.88/100
Resources:www.farbiosportscar.com
http://www.lussoluxury.com/
http://www.evo.co.uk/
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