Australian entrepreneur Paul Halstead has announced plans of developing a supercar powered by a huge W16 14.0-liter engine.
In charge of an automotive design and engineering company known as HAL, Paul Halstead’s supercar will use two LS7 V8 7.0-liter engines mounted together at 45 degrees. While in the Bugatti Veyron the internals are merged to form a single crankshaft, Halstead’s supercar will have a “trick transfer case” which will enable the two crankshafts of the V8 engines to work with a single six-speed sequential gearbox.
This setup should enable the supercar to produce 1,200 bhp (895 kW) sent to rear wheels via a limited-slip differential. The engine will be installed to a carbon fiber tub while the body will be produced from Kevlar and carbon fiber.
Paul Halstead says the project isn’t a business venture as he is developing the car mostly for fun. The completed version will be presented at the Detroit Autorama hot rod event in 2016 and he hopes to grab the Ridler Award. If potential investors will be interested in the car, a limited-run production series could happen.
Halstead is no stranger to the automotive industry as in the 80s he modified Alfa Romeo Sprint coupes by installing a mid-mounted V8 engine. Known as the Giocattolo (see attached photo), the vehicle featured Brembo brakes, Kevlar body panels, while the suspension was developed by ex-McLaren F1 engineer Barry Lock. Due to poor sales, Halstead closed up shop after building only 15 cars. Hopefully his new venture will be more successful.