Exocet R

The Exomotive Exocet R is a car that stands as a testament to raw performance and minimalist engineering, designed specifically for enthusiasts who crave the unfiltered connection between driver and machine. Born from the imaginative minds at Exomotive, the Exocet is a lightweight, exoskeletal roadster originally conceived as a kit car based on the dependable Mazda MX-5 Miata platform. However, the “R” variant is a different beast altogether, taking the Exocet’s ethos of simplicity and performance to extraordinary new heights.

At its heart, the Exocet R is powered by a thundering 6.0-liter LS2 V8, an engine well-known for its presence in high-performance General Motors vehicles. This powerplant unleashes 500 horsepower and an immense 657.57 lb-ft of torque—numbers that would be impressive in any car, but are downright staggering in a machine weighing just 1,900 pounds. This combination results in a claimed 0-60 mph sprint in just 3 seconds, and a top speed of 130 mph. Power is sent to the rear wheels via the robust Tremec T-56 six-speed manual transmission, ensuring both durability and driver engagement.

The Exocet R’s chassis is a tubular steel space frame, providing exceptional rigidity while keeping weight to an absolute minimum. This minimalist construction not only contributes to its featherweight status but also gives the car its unique, skeletal appearance. Suspension geometry is inherited from the Miata donor, with double wishbones at all four corners, but the Exocet’s lighter shell and optional performance upgrades mean handling is far sharper and more responsive than its road-going donor ever dreamed of. The result is a car that feels telepathic on track, with steering and chassis feedback that rivals dedicated race cars.

While the Exocet R doesn’t have a long factory-backed motorsport pedigree, it has made a name for itself among grassroots racers and track day enthusiasts. Its combination of affordability, ease of assembly, and sheer performance potential has led to its popularity in time attack, autocross, and amateur racing events. The Exocet’s modularity and open design invite constant tinkering and improvement, making it a darling of the DIY performance community.

What truly sets the Exomotive Exocet R apart in the street car category is its uncompromising focus on delivering the purest possible driving experience. There’s no insulation from sound or vibration, no electronic safety nets—just you, the car, and the road. The Exocet R exists for those who value performance above all else, rewarding skill and bravery in equal measure. In a world of ever-heavier and more complex sports cars, the Exocet R is a breath of fresh air, offering supercar-level acceleration and handling in a package that’s as visceral as it is accessible.