Radical SR3 RS
The Radical SR3 RS blurs the line between road car and racing machine more completely than almost any other vehicle. Designed primarily as a race car for Radical's own championship series, it is also available in road-legal form, offering genuine prototype-level performance with a license plate.
At the heart of the SR3 RS is a Suzuki Hayabusa-derived motorcycle engine, bored and stroked to 1,500cc and producing 225 horsepower. In a car weighing just 560 kg, this provides a power-to-weight ratio of over 400 hp per ton — comparable to a Formula 3 car. The engine is mated to a 6-speed sequential gearbox with paddle shifters, allowing flat-shift upchanges and perfectly rev-matched downshifts.
The chassis is a tubular steel space frame design with genuine racing car aerodynamics including a large rear wing generating significant downforce. Pushrod-activated suspension, AP Racing brakes, and slick-compatible wheels give the SR3 RS handling that belongs on a circuit, not a public road. The car generates enough downforce that at speed, it could theoretically drive upside down on a ceiling.
Radical has become one of the world's largest racing car manufacturers, with the SR3 forming the backbone of their one-make championship series worldwide. The road-legal versions offer a unique experience — arriving at a track day in what is essentially a prototype race car, complete with headlights, indicators, and a registration plate. For those who consider even a Caterham too civilized, the Radical SR3 RS is the answer.
Distinguish between race-spec and road-legal versions. Check engine rebuild history — the RPE Hayabusa-derived engines need regular rebuilds at defined intervals. Sequential gearbox requires specialist maintenance. Check for crash damage in the space frame. Aero components (wings, diffuser) must be intact and correctly set. AP Racing brakes need regular pad and fluid changes. Suspension setup is critical — verify alignment and damper condition. Race history documentation adds value.
Built by Radical Sportscars at their factory in Peterborough. Uses a Suzuki Hayabusa-derived engine rebuilt by Radical Performance Engines (RPE). Tubular steel space frame with composite bodywork. Available as both race-only and road-legal specifications. Forms the basis of the Radical Cup championship series.