SEMA 2010: Vortex F1 makes world debut

There's certainly a lot of hot metal on the floor at this year's SEMA show, and while we're always keen to see customizations and special editions of some of our favorite vehicles, we can't help but give special attention to automakers who debut brand new products. Seattle-based Vortex Motors indeed captures our attention this year with the world debut of its F1 track car. Watch your back, Ariel Atom – the Vortex F1 is ready for battle.

Power is sourced from an upgraded version of General Motors' turbocharged 2.0-liter Ecotec inline-four running through a six-speed manual transmission. In the standard model, the F1 Turn Key, output is rated at 290 horsepower and 340 pound-feet of torque, but Vortex will also sell an Ultimate version, bumping those numbers up to 330 and 360, respectively.

The body is constructed out of a mix of fiberglass and aluminum, with carbon fiber available as an option. The Turn Key weighs in at a feather-light 1,400 pounds, and thus, Vortex is targeting a 0-60 time of just 2.7 seconds and a quarter-mile run of just 10.5 seconds at 130 miles per hour. Vortex has fitted 17-inch wheels at all four corners, riding on 275/40-series tires up front and beefy 315/35 rubber out back.

The whole package can be yours for $49,995 for the Turn Key or $69,995 for the Ultimate. In addition to adding more power, the Ultimate also uses a fully carbon fiber body, upgraded brakes, wheels and tires, improved steering, carbon fiber seats and a sequential six-speed gearbox. Vortex says that it is also planning a fully electric version of the F1, with a targeted weight of only 1,300 pounds. We'd gladly pit it against a Tesla Roadster in a drag race any day.