Lexus-powered Bullet on target for success

From custom car maker Bullet comes the latest supercar based on the MX-5 platform - but this one's different. It's an Aussie.

At a time when local pride is on a high, with Mark Webber doing the unthinkable by placing fifth in this first ever GP, Mark Bradbury's astonishing speed skating win and together with Alisa Camplin's impressive gold medal victory, what better time to support fellow Australians?

No need to rub your eyes - you read correctly. This is a locally made supercar.

Looking for all the world like a tarted-up MX-5, the sheer power concealed beneath its aluminium bonnet tells a different tale.

The idea for the car was conjured up at the Gold Coast factory of Bullet Supercars, now owned by Advanced Engine Components Limited.

Bullet's managing director, John Bettini is pretty stoked with Bullet's new supercar, though a few points should be stressed before we go on.

This is not simply an MX-5 with a blown V8 wedged into the engine bay. Instead, Bullet designed, from scratch, an all-new chassis with a high tensile space frame capable of withstanding much more stress.

The car complies with Australian Design Rules (ADR) thanks to many of the existing components found in the MX-5 - Bullet Supercars just saw fit to add a bit more go. And to that we've got no objections...

At first, Bullet sourced a quad-cam, fuel-injected Lexus 4.0-litre V8, added a number of reinforcements to the little Mazda's drive-line, then upgraded the brakes and finally the suspension and wheels. The result was a car that could go fast not just in a straight line, but also around corners.

After driving the supercar on a closed track, head honcho John Bettini said: "I didn't think it was possible for a car to go so fast around corners.

"It stays so flat when cornering, it reminds me of a slot car, although tail out driving is so predicable and controllable, it really inspires confidence in any driver no matter their ability. Definitely the most fun I've had on four wheels."

Indeed, tail out driving wouldn't be too much to ask from the Bullet Roadster, considering the base model produces 225kW of power and 380Nm of torque, with a shrieking 7500rpm redline. The power is put to the ground via a five-speed Borg Warner manual transmission through the rear wheels, which translates into a very supercar 0-100km/h time of just under 5 seconds.

But of more interest is the Bullet Roadster SS, whose engine has been tweaked even more. Adding a Sprintex S90 supercharger, the engine creates 320kW of power and 550Nm of torque.

When you consider the weight of the MX-5 is just 1180kg, you begin to realise that this car is capable of some very high speeds in a very short time. The SS Roadster can complete the quarter mile dash in an awe-inspiring 12.0 seconds flat and accelerates to 100km/h from standstill in an eye-watering 3.9 seconds. Say bye-bye to that Porsche 911... Top speed is 290km/h.

The SS package also get you a tuned exhaust system, adjustable sports suspension package, extra badging and a premium Brembo brake package, sporting powerful four-pot calipers.

There's plenty to differentiate the Bullet Roadster and SS models from the standard 2.0-litre MX-5. The flared extremities, such as the front and rear spoilers and side skirts, give the car a much more aggressive look, and lowered body helps reduce drag and shows it's got real purpose. The gaping bonnet scoop is also a tell-tale sign that something angry is lurking beneath and the twin exhaust system looks great and provides a rather tasteful, yet warbly V8 note. The SS model also gets lashings of carbon fibre inside and out.

Buyers can stick with the soft-top, or pay a little extra for the hardtop. Other standard features include race tuned suspension, air-conditioning, power windows, leather sports seats, momo driving equipment, engine immobiliser and an Alpine CD stereo.

Sitting on 17-inch wheels shod with impressive Kumho 712s, the Bullet Roadster looks a treat and the best part is that this Australian built supercar is fairly affordable for a world-class exotic. It was created after six years of research and development that involved some 13 different prototype models.

There you have it - an Australian supercar to rival that of many European exotics. And talk about sheer power - the SS model is simply tremendous and will require a lot of respect from prospective drivers. The Bullet Roadster and Bullet Roadster SS fetch $98,000 and $118,000 (both inc GST) respectively and if you're interested in finding out more, perhaps even taking the Lexus-powered convertible for a test drive, check out the details below.

Bullet Supercars' Website
Advanced Engine Components Limited (AEC)