ATS recently relocated from its previous home in Italy to the Canary Islands, but that didn’t seem to hinder the small, but highly-regarded sports car manufacturer, which has recently released a great new road-legal track car called the Sport 490 Stradale.
The vehicle is powered by a 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine borrowed from a Suzuki Hayabusa superbike, which outputs a very respectable 235 hp. This allows the remarkably light vehicle (which tips the scales at a bit over 1,000 pounds) to go from 0 to 62 mph in a lightning-fast 3.0 seconds, on its way to a top speed exceeding 143 mph (230 km/h).The gearbox is a six-speed sequential unit which transfers power to the rear wheels via a Quaife limited-slip differential.
Six-piston calipers biting ventilated discs take are responsible for the stopping power, while the independent suspension, which utilizes fully adjustable shock absorbers from Öhlins, greatly aid in the handling of the vehicle. The wheels measure 15 inches across and are available with semi- or fully-slick tires.
What’s really great about the Sport 490 Stradale is that features like the softer suspension, fixed lights, reverse gear, hand brake, and increased safety equipment ensure it is perfectly suitable for public roads, as well as the track.
ATS goes to great lengths to ensure the customer experience is as convenient as possible. Even though it is now based in the relatively secluded Canary Island, the company will ship its vehicles almost anywhere around the world, and even pledges to help with the importing and registration process.
[MotorAuthority]
