Jetstream SC250: the <strike>poor</strike> blind man's Atom/X-Bow/Elise

Another British track tool is going up against the drool-worthy Ariel Atom, KTM X-Bow and the Lotus Elise. The Jetstream SC250 is styled by Brian Rossi, the same man behind the retro-tastic modern Ford Thunderbird, and although it's not exactly pretty, the SC250's wedge-shaped bodywork is sure to produce a good bit of downforce. Sitting over the rear axle is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-banger cribbed from the euro-only Astra VXR, giving the SC250 the same front/rear weight distribution as the aforementioned Elise. That spells good things for the handling, as do the wide rubber patches at each corner. Reading over the first road test at Autocar and watching the video posted after the break, those who get behind the wheel quickly forget the controversial styling. However, until we get a chance in the cockpit, this one's taking a distinct back-seat to the Atom.

[Source: Autocar]