The Lyonheart K Is The Modern-Day E-Type You've Always Wanted

Image © Lyonheart

Designed to ape E-Types of years gone by, the handcrafted Lyonheart K will finally enter production later this year. Initially previewed in 2011 as the "Growler" (no laughing at the back), the company has announced it will build 250 cars at a cost of at least £307,000 each. A convertible version with a folding, fabric top will also be available for a £13,000 premium.

Image © Lyonheart

Though it was designed by Swiss company Classic Factory, the Lyonheart will be built in Coventry, and based on the existing Jaguar XKR. It will make use of the XKR's supercharged 5.0-litre V8 too, albeit only after Cosworth has upped the power from 503bhp to 575bhp. With 510lb ft of torque, the company claims that the Lyonheart will be able to reach 62mph in 3.9 seconds, and hit a top speed of 186mph. A six-speed auto' looks to be the only available gearbox.

Image © Lyonheart

The body will be made from aluminium, and it will ride on 20in wire wheels. The interior will be completely bespoke, with aluminium switchgear and a wood-rimmed steering wheel.

As with all small-scale projects, there's a legitimate risk the Lyonheart will never see the light of day, although the signs are looking good. Just look at the official spec' sheet. All we need now is to see a real car, rather than these shiny renderings...

What do you reckon? It's this, or the Eagle Speedster.