Auto Channel

Prototype ready in spring 2008

It was always a dream of Heinz Melkus to construct a follow-up model of the legendary RS1000. Now, Peter and Sepp Melkus, son and grandson of the famous constructing engineer and automobile racer are going to realise his dream.

Melkus Sportwagen KG is the firm where the smart sportscar shall be manufactured by hand in small series, just like the production of the limited edition of the RS1000 replica today.

The goal is to produce up to 25 sportscars per year in the Melkus factory. It is planned to  build a new representative factory hall to have enough place for the production and storage.

The development of the RS2000 prototype starts in January 2007 in close cooperation with Sebastian Wolfram (HMW-Designer) and the Technical University Dresden. The ambitious aim until spring 2008 is to present the Melkus RS2000 prototype to the public and to start with the production of the limited series in the same year.

Design Concept

(Sebastian Wolfram, HMW-Designer)

The special challenge concerning the design was to save and perfect the exceptional extravagance of the RS1000.

It was out of any question to touch the stunning curves and shapes of the RS1000. But it was the unique classic design that should be perfected in a gentle way.

We are going to transform the clarity of the surfaces and shapes in a new period of sportscar engineering. It is a reinterpretation of the classic design without the idea of a retrodesign. We perfect facings, tighten outlines and curves, flatten surfaces and form volumes with more emotion.

The proportions are much stronger and sportier because of a bigger package volume. We create an independent and incomparable design with typical notes of the RS1000 and the use of specific modern details (lights, wheels, interieur).

The RS2000 acts well trained and avoids any importunity and aggresiveness. The RS2000 has its own style reasonable in the history of the car. It is an hommage.

Temporary Specifications

Concept

• compact coupe with gullwing doors

• mid engine concept (diagonally or horizontally)

Dimensions

• overall length: 4000cm

• overall width: 1800cm   ÂÂ

• height: 1120cm

• wheel dimension, front: 16 inch

• rear: 17 inch

Chassis/Frame

• tubular steel skeleton frame with integrated roll-over bar

• Traction gear

• front and rear axle with double triangular control arm and adjustable stabilizers

• inner lying spring and damper unit (adjustable height and stiffness with Pushroads)

Brakes

• front: 4 piston disc brake with fixed caliper

• rear: 2 piston disc brake with fixed caliper

• drilled and ventilated brakediscs

• ABS

• steelflex brakeline

Steering gear

• rack and pinion steering without servo assistance (2-2,5 steering wheel turns)

Car body

• bonnet,bootlid and doors made of GRP (glass fibre reinforced plastic)

• aluminium underbody

• steel or carbon car top

Safety

• front carbon crashbox

• side impact bars integrated in the doors

• roll-over bar

• ABS

Engine

• 4 cylinder in-line engine

• up to 2000 ccm

• performance between 130-200 PS depending on the version

Clutch

• dry single disc clutch

Gear box

• 6 short stepped gears

Weight

• under 1000 kg

Driving performance

• top speed: max.250km/h

• acceleration 0-100 km/h within 5 sec.

Price

• ca. 75.000 EUR