U.K. Company Aims to Launch Supercar Next Year

U.K.-based Keating Supercars is developing a new high-output model it plans to introduce next April at the annual Top Marques Monaco luxury showcase exhibit.

The 10-year-old niche firm, which specializes in so-called “hypercars,” has produced four other vehicles ranging from a 340-hp concept and track car to a pair of limited-volume road cars. The previous vehicles borrowed parts from other hypercars, such as the Saleen S7 and Pagani Zonda, and were powered by General Motors’ 7.0-liter LS7 V-8 engine.

The new Berus—named after the venomous Vipera Berus snake—was designed and engineered in conjunction with Britain’s University of Bolton, which is company founder Anthony Keating’s alma mater. Two versions of the Berus are planned: a V-8-powered model and a fully electric variant.

The V-8 engine will generate 650 hp and rocket the car from zero to 60 mph in just 2.4 seconds on its way to a top speed of 230 mph, according to the carmaker. It estimates the EV’s output will be 400 hp and 1,050 lb-ft of torque. A 2,000-hp twin-turbo version of the V-8 also is said to be in under development.

Keating recently tested its TKR supercar in California at speeds as high as 260 mph. The only version of the Berus built thus far is a half-scale model on display at the University of Bolton’s center for advanced performance engineering.