Designed in Italy, developed in
South Africa, and coming to a Superformance dealer near you.
Nori Harada’s mission for South African vehicle manufacturer, Perana Performance Group, was a challenge: Create a new, avant-garde high-performance sports coupe that would showcase Zagato’s trademark styling and could be competitively marketed as a low-volume specialty car. Harada is the head stylist at Zagato Design. The result: The simple, light and aerodynamic Perana Z-One.
Shown first as a concept at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, the Perana Z-One received rave reviews from both automotive press and the public. Perana Performance Group was then invited to attend the premier European concours event, the Concorso d’ Eleganza at Vila d’Este on Lake Como in Italy, where the Perana Z-One received much acclaim.
Perana Z-One Concept, center, at Concorso d'Eleganza.
“The original marketing plan for the Perana Z-One focused on distribution in Europe, the United Kingdom and United Arab Emirates. However, there was a surprisingly strong interest from enthusiasts in the United States and the plan was amended to include distribution, limited at 99 per year, to the US market,” said Perana Performance Group’s Jim Price.
“Having had close ties to the Superformance Group for many years and knowing just how well they understand that market has led to this partnership.”
The Perana Z-One was designed and engineered to be powered by either the latest GM emission-compliant ‘E-Rod’ LS3 aluminum Camaro SS/Corvette V8, photo, right, rated at 430 horsepower or Corvette LS7 rated at 505 horsepower, matched with a six-speed transmission and ZF limited-slip differential. A 442-horsepower all-aluminum, 10.7-to-l, 6.2-liter Corvette engine powers the company’s development “mule.” They estimated 0 to 60 mph times under four seconds and top end in the 180s. Real world performance will depend upon individual engine choice, gearing and tire selection.
With a 50/50% F/R weight distribution and under 2,650-pound curb weight, exceptional performance, on and off the track, is to be expected. The Perana Z-One features a full steel tube space frame, photo, below, with front/mid engine layout, four-wheel independent, unequal length A-arm suspension, Bilstein shocks, Eibach springs, composite body, and is available as a “roller” (less engine and drivetrain) from Superformance dealers in the US. Vehicles destined for other parts of the world are distributed directly from the Perana Performance Group.
Spanning a 100-inch wheelbase and 173.5-inch overall length, the stunning 48.5-inch high coupe comes stock with Recaros, leather and Alcantara trim, AC, full power, premium sound and Sat-Nav and 18x10-inch front and 19x12-inch rear wheels shod with Michelin PS2 tires.
According to a Perana Z-One order form from Superformance dealer, Hillbank Motor Corporation in Irvine, CA, A Perana Z-One roller, less engine and drivetrain, retails for $79,900. With all available brake, paint and accessory options, the tariff goes to $87,978. Engine, drive train and final assembly are not included.
“At a price under $100,000, the Perana Z-One is an exceptional package of power and performance. It’s a Zagato-styled, handbuilt vehicle that returns us to the purist racing traditions of the past – a true driver’s car. Limited availability is sure to instantly turn this car into a highly desirable and valuable collectible,” said Superformance
CEO, Lance Stander.
The Perana Z-One will be unveiled on August 13th at Concorso Italiano’s Celebration of Italian Styling, Laguna Seca Golf Ranch, Monterey, CA.
For more information about the Perana Z-One in the US, please visit www.superformance.com or www.hillbankusa.com or contact info@PeranaUSA.com
In other markets, please visit http://www.perana.com/home.aspxttp://www.perana.com/home.aspx