2013 Magnum MK5

The Magnum MK5 officially unveiled

• The first track-focused street-legal lightweight supercar from Canada promises to be addictive.

Montreal, Canada, October 30, 2013 Created from a passion for motorsport in the late 60s, when original founder Jean-Pierre St-Jacques built Magnum's first formula racecar, Magnum Cars is now entering the lightweight supercar segment with the introduction of the MK5. The brainchild of his son Bruno St-Jacques, himself a well-rounded and successful racecar driver, the Magnum MK5 aims to offer an incredible driving experience; the closest that most will get to experiencing a real racecar.

Featuring impressive power-to-weight ratio of 460 bhp per tonne, remarkable handling with cornering forces of over 2Gs, second-to-none build quality, and cutting edge design, the Magnum MK5 strives on offering the ultimate excitement for all the senses, so that both driver and passenger can both enjoy the true feeling of a pure and exhilarating car. Having recently completed its development program, including 3 years of extensive track testing, the Magnum MK5 is now ready to be unveiled to car enthusiasts around the globe.



Exhilarating Performance & Bold Design

At the heart of the Magnum MK5 is a 250hp rear mid-mounted 4-cylinder engine that commands respect as the revs blast up to its chill inducing 11,000 rpm redline. Whether you want to tackle the track or enjoy the road, the intoxicating power delivery and high-revs, combined with the drivability and reliability of the lightweight powerplant, will suit different driving styles and moods.

The 6 speed sequential gearbox allows for lightning-fast shifts, up and down, while the perfectly positioned center-mounted shifter lever provides a level of involvement for the driver. Combined with a limited-slip differential, the Magnum MK5 provides remarkable acceleration.

Power numbers aside, the performance quality of the MK5 benefits from a well-balanced formula racecar type pushrod suspension geometry, with inboard 2-way adjustable dampers, front and rear. The unequal length double a-arm suspension works in harmony with ultra-high performance street-legal tires (225/40R18 front, 265/35R18 rear) mounted on 18-inch ultra-lightweight alloy wheels. Thanks to its light 1,200 lbs (545kg), the MK5 can generate racecar level cornering grip.

Braking performance is just as impressive. Front and rear 4-piston calipers and vented brake discs offer a decisive bite, yet smooth brake pedal modulation. The ingenious sliding pedal box, completely custom machined out of aircraft-grade billet aluminum, provides easy adjustability from a simple locking lever, to accommodate drivers of different heights without tools.

The menacing look of the Magnum MK5 styling has been optimized to be equally striking and efficient. Displaying functional aerodynamics like those found on Formula 1 cars and LeMans Prototypes, the light and strong carbon fiber composite bodywork of the MK5 provides a confident dose of downforce to help maximize performance. Developed with modularity in mind, maintenance is facilitated and repair costs reduced as bodywork sections can be easily removed or individually replaced.

The Magnum MK5's exterior styling extends into the cockpit where a modern look mixes with purposeful ergonomics. Designer-worthy CNC machined aluminum levers fall right in place, blending nicely with the race-inspired carbon fiber seats. Both driver and passenger are secured by 6-point racing harnesses. Great attention to details contributes to controls that are intuitive, while easy-to-read backlit digital gauges, with built-in GPS-enabled laptimer, are mounted directly onto the removable suede-wrapped steering wheel.

A Philosophy of Innovation, Performance and Excellence

'When we decided to get back to our roots of building cars, we agreed that the newest Magnum had to be exciting in every sense. Our racing background dictated the philosophy behind the MK5; our main objective has been to achieve an experience that is pure and as close to driving a true racecar, in a simple to use and easy to drive platform,' says Bruno St-Jacques.

The purpose has evolved but the philosophy remains the same. The 'St-Jacques' meticulous attention to details and the high level of craftsmanship can be seen in every aspect of the Magnum MK5. Beautiful and well-thought out components that have been precision CNC-machined out of aircraft grade aluminum are displayed like pieces of art. Benefitting from Magnum's immense expertise in machining components for different fields, including motorsport, for well over 45 years, the car is as beautiful under its skin as it is on the outside.

Bruno St-Jacques is quick to emphasize: 'We only work with the best people in the business and we source only the best components. We are driven by excellence and believe it is of the utmost importance to offer our customers a product that does not compromise on quality, performance, or safety. We pride ourselves on offering a high-end product that surpasses expectations.'

Delivering Awesomeness

Privately shown to interested parties within the last few months, the Magnum MK5 has already raised attention, from its very competitive on-track performance and its out-of-the-box styling. With pre-orders already taken, Magnum MK5's will be built on order at an initial annual production rate of 20 cars. Deliveries are projected to start by late 2014.

The Magnum MK5 price will start at $139,000 ÚSD (excluding taxes and delivery). The base price includes many features such as carbon-fiber bodywork and seats, removable racing steering wheel, data-logger system, cockpit adjustable brake bias, rear-view camera & monitor, 6-point racing harnesses, fully adjustable racing dampers and anti-roll bars, ultra-high performance tires, 18-inch ultra-lightweight alloy wheels, and limited-slip differential.

Optional features including a variety of street and track packages will also be offered so that MK5 owners can personalize their car.

The MK5 is available for order as of today, October 30, 2013.

Source - Magnum