Since the Briklin SV1's departure, Canada hasn't had a supercar of their own for thirty years. Now, after laborous development and ambitious planning, Locus Technologies, led by Luc Chartrand, is ready to debut the next supercar to the world.

Chartrand is no newcomer to automobiles; he's been busy developing collapsible steering wheels for Champ car racing, while mastering techniques to repair composite bodies on Lamborghinis and Ferraris. But now, his focus is on something new.

The Plethore, or Bomb in the French, borrows from all the hallmarks of modern supercars. It uses a carbon fibre tub and body, while being powered by a large displacement Chevrolet V8 that can feed the rear wheels up to 1300 bhp. The car should be exceptionally rigid, since it uses no engine subframes at the expense of comfort.

So far, only two foam styling mockups have been completed, and the second hints at a central driving position with much needed all around refinement. The curious rear lights come from the Ford Thunderbird, but are positioned to add much more dramatic flair.

The first working prototype will be revealed at the 2007 Toronto Auto Show which means that the small factory out at the St.Eustache Raceway near Montreal will be humming over the next month.

Locus tell us that three orders have already been made and that they plan to go through extensive crash tests that will certify the Plethore for both Canada and the US. The current price is $275 000 USD.

bhp/weight: 600.0 bhp per weight

The Plethore, or Bomb in the French, borrows from all the hallmarks of modern supercars. It uses a carbon fibre tub and body, while being powered by a large displacement Chevrolet V8 that can feed the rear wheels up to 1300 bhp. The car should be exceptionally rigid, since it uses no engine subframes at the expense of comfort.

Having more than 22 years of experience in the fiber reinforced composite materials and in the exception car building, working, repairing and modifying Lamborghinis and other prestigious models, Luc Chartrand launched out into the design of a car that would represent perfection to him in terms of esthetics and mechanics.

After more than two years, he finally found a quite impressive concept. Inspired by other designers, he imagined a car that would stand out from others: with a really advanced interior and a quite large rear, an enormous air intake on each side, the LOCUS has no cause to be envious of any other cars in her class.

Often encouraged by friends, themselves Lamborghini owners, to get involved in the making of a prototype, Luc finally decided to produce one. The making goes well and the prototype that will serve as the mother mold is almost finished. The enthusiasm of people for this model is already noticeable.

STRUCTURE

Body: Carbon fiber
Frame: Carbon fiber

STANDARD EQUIPMENT

Suspension: air-electronic
Adjustable steering column: electric and manual adjustment
Driver's seat: electric
Mirrors: electric (memory)
Windows: electric
Air conditioning: auto climate control
Interior: leather, 3 seats, central driving
Audio equipment: 5.1 sound system, cd dvd, 7 speaker, GSS
Door closing and opening: automatic, electric, manual and remote control
Interior mirror: retrovision (camera LCD screen)
Proximity sensor: front, back and lateral
Tire pressure detector: 4 wheels

ENGINE

Disposal: longitudinal and central
Nameplate: GM
Architecture: V8
Capacity: 8.2 liters
Power: 550 hp - 1000 hp
Torque: 565 lb.

TRANSMISSION

Architecture: rear wheel drive
Gearbox: 6 speed Tremec manual (aluminum)
Differential: locking Getrag (aluminum)

RUNNING GEAR

Disposal: power-assisted rack and pinion
Suspension: independent wheel double wishbone suspension, shock absorber LOCUS systems
Brakes: AP racing front, 15 inch ventilated disks, aluminum 6 piston-caliper
Rear: 14 inch ventilated disks, aluminum 4 piston-caliper

SIZE

Wheelbase: 115 in or 294 cm
Length: 178 inch or 452 cm
Width: 87 inch or 222 cm
Height: 44 inch or 112 cm
Weight: 1250 kg
Tires: Michelin pilot sport
Front: 255/40 zr/18
Rear: 415/30 zr/18 (future availability 400/30zr/18)
Rim: aluminum 3 parts
Front: 18/9
Rear: 18/13

OPTION

Automatic transmission

PRICE

$250,000 Canadian