The Beira is a hand-built, two-seat roadster with its own special styling cues, based on proven GM architecture and powered by GM's LS2, 6-litre V8 engine, tuned to produce 298kW and with the capability to run on dual fuels.
It is made by Norfolk-based Breckland Technology – part of Hong Kong-based multinational Riche Holdings – experienced in the development and production of high-quality, low-volume specialist cars and prototypes for an array of prestigious international clients, including Mosler.
Weighing 1400kg, the Beira has an impressive power-to-weight ratio with the promise of a sub-five second sprint to 100km/h and a governed top speed of 250km/h.
“Beira carries on from where Marcos and TVR left off in terms of providing maximum performance for money spent, and real individuality,” Breckland director Mike Rawlings says. “We wanted to showcase Breckland's design and engineering capabilities and produce an exciting driver's car, with excellent handling dynamics, terrific performance and great looks.
“We also looked seriously at environmental concerns and, as a result, Beira is designed to run on liquefied petroleum gas as well as petrol. This not only helps to reduce running costs and emissions but also means Beira is capable of an extended range between refuelling stops.”
Beira is based on the General Motors Kappa platform, on sale in the North American market.
It has the potent 6-litre, LS2 V8 engine, more commonly found in Corvette and Pontiac GTO models. It replaces the four-cylinder Ecotec engine and, by comparison, produces more than twice the power of the original unit.
“We didn't set out to reinvent the wheel with Beira,” engineering director Mark Easton says. “The Kappa platform offers a highly competent chassis, which has been subject to intensive crash and safety tests, and is readily available.
“Since all of the hard work has been done, it has enabled us to keep development costs low. Over the years, and through our own experience, we've seen many supercars come and go, due in part to their massive development costs, and we were adamant we would not fall into the same trap. That's why we developed the Beira where we needed to, not for the sake of it. It has also enabled us to bring the project to fruition in less than 12 months.”
The fuel-injected, aluminium V8 and Tremec six-speed manual gearbox are packaged under the Beira's swooping bonnet, with a bespoke wiring harness and ECU, the latter being reprogrammed for extra power combined with a dual-fuel capability.
The fully independent suspension was re-engineered by Breckland in association with KW Suspension, with uprated springs, dampers and bushes, and thicker anti-roll bars front and rear.
The result is slightly less suspension compliance, but a more focused ride and handling.
Stopping power is provided by 325mm ventilated discs on all four corners, the fronts being grasped by six-pot calipers, with four-pot at the rear, both from UK specialists HiSpec.
Steering is via power-assisted rack and pinion, while the 18-inch cast alloy wheels are shod with Bridgestone ultra-low profile tyres. Customer options include an upgrade to 19-inch diameter rims and tyres.
Despite the inclusion of an additional 70-litre LPG tank to go with the existing 60-litre petrol tank, the Beira features a significant increase in usable luggage space with the hood down.
GM steel doors are used to ensure excellent side-impact protection and good sealing properties, while crash protection front and rear is provided by transverse aluminium crush structures attached to the hydro-formed steel chassis. Both front and rear bulkheads are steel to provide rigidity to the windscreen and hood.
Beira features electric windows, airconditioning, twin airbags – in the steering wheel and in the passenger dash – concise instrumentation and hand-stitched leather/Alcantara seats and trim.
The central instrument cluster incorporates double DIN mobile entertainment from Clarion. It includes a TFT colour touch screen, DVD player, direct iPod and Bluetooth connectivity, and an inbuilt 30Gb hard disk drive (HDD) navigation system with full European mapping. Beira buyers also can opt for the rear reversing camera, which relays the view behind on to the same in-dash display.
A GM manual cloth hood with heated rear screen is retained on the Beira and, when folded down, stows quickly and neatly out of sight under the deck lid for an integrated appearance. The sculpted deck lid incorporates individual fairings behind driver and passenger.
The Beira will debut in left-hand drive form, underlining its appeal to enthusiasts in Europe, and will be available in the UK and internationally from November.
The on-the-road price is yet to be announced but it is expected to be in the region of £55,000 in the UK.
