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16 | April 2013 Issue 73 CKC www.completekitcar.co.uk

Following in the footsteps of the top spec Mega Busa andSEiGHT, Westfield’s latest Mega S2000 brings all thechassis sophistication of the company’s turnkey SportTurbo to the kit car masses, and then some.

Words and pics: Ian Stent

ChangerGAME

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Westfield S2000

BUILD • DRIVE • ENJOY CKC April 2013 Issue 73 | 17

Westfield’s Sport Turbohas been stealing theheadlines for the lastyear or two, but the

reality remains that you can only buy afactory built example, and most areheading into Europe. Make no mistake,the Sport Turbo is the best Westfield we’veever driven, but its lack of kit formavailability has meant the traditional SEimodels have taken a back seat when itcomes to publicity.

To bring the focus firmly back toWestfield’s roots, the company showed offa Honda S2000 engined kit form Westie atseveral of last year’s shows. But only nowhas the car been IVA’d and registered, andCKC is first behind the wheel.

What we can reveal right here, rightnow, is that this is far more than just anengine upgrade... what you are looking atis perhaps the most important new kitform Westfield to come out of the factoryin decades.

Why? Because in much the same wayas F1 tech can trickle down into our dailyrunabouts, so some of the engineeringknow-how that went into the all new SportTurbo is now finding its way back intoWestfield’s kit cars...

The front suspension is now the sameas the turnkey car, being all new geometryand, on this car, featuring upgradedlightweight Reynolds tubing and improvedcoil-over dampers. And while the rear IRSsuspension is the same as that found onthe Ford based SEi, the chassis continuesto evolve with many of the production cartweaks developed for the turnkey model.Indeed, expect much of what’s found onthis chassis to trickle further across the kitcar range, so that eventually all modelswill utilise the same tech.

But somehow the S2000, despite the

stripped back racer styling seen here, owesyet more to the time and money that thefactory has invested in the Sport Turbo.Everything fits, it’s neatly installed, cleanand tidy and retains a production feeldespite the minimalism. All Westfieldmodels will benefit from this experienceand, as the factory is keen to point out,whether you buy a base body/chassis kit ora top-end Sport Turbo, the body andchassis are created by the same guys, tothe same standards.

OK, so much of what you see here isalready to be found on other kit models

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within the range, but the Mega S2000 isn’tcalled something different for no reason.The Mega tagline line is there to link thisderivative firmly with earlier incarnations,such as the bike powered MegaBusa.While road legal, the Mega range isperhaps the company’s most extremevariant, before heading into full blownrace specifications. Obvious featuresinclude the aeroscreen and utterlyminimalist interior. Further Megaupgrades can include anti-roll bars,limited slip differential, big brake kit, fullroll cage and various track day focusedwheel and tyre packages, among a longlist of other options.

And then there’s the S2000denomination. This is an easier and moreobvious one to pin down, with Westfieldinstalling Honda’s acclaimed 2-litre VTECType R engine under the bonnet. Using theunit from the S2000 means an already in-line configuration (as opposed totransversely located units in the Civic TypeR etc) and a terrific 6-speed gearboxtransmitting power to the rear wheels.

It’s an engine that justifies all theacclaim that heads its way. Naturallyaspirated, it delivers around 240bhp with amaximum rev limit at a heady 8000rpm. Itis still the most powerful naturallyaspirated 2-litre engine to reach regularproduction, ever!

While it is possible to retain the HondaECU (as Westfield’s Australian agent hasdone on several occasions), for thefactory’s production requirements, a morededicated solution was required, so regularkits will feature an Omex developed ECUwhich plugs straight into a bespoke wiringloom... one advantage of which is that theengine management has been designed toWestfield’s requirements, not Honda’sconstraints, part of which is now a VTECwhich kicks in lower in the rev range.

Because of the height of the newengine, all S2000 kits require the bonnetscoop originally designed for the V8SEiGHT model, and it means this carfeatures an unusual mix of traditional SEinosecone (and bonnet) with later FW rearend and sides. The scuttle is a universalfitment across the

range and, where bonnet heightrequirements aren’t an issue, customerscan mix and match panels from either FWor SEi derivatives... they have all beendesigned to be interchangeable.

Lift the SEiGHT bonnet away and thenew installation is simplicity itself. If theSport Turbo is a feat of packagingwizardry, here there’s little to distract youreyes from the bold VTEC wordingemblazoned on the cam cover. Apart froma header tank and fuses found on thebulkhead, there’s almost no visible wiringor complicated plumbing. It looksbrilliantly minimal...

Which is a feature reflected in theinterior. Powdercoated black aluminiumpanelling is left untrimmed, save forrubber matting on the floor. The dash is asimple carbon effect flat panel with tworocker switches, three toggle switches andsome small buttons to control the RaceTechnology dash unit (badged Potenzahere and bringing up the words WestfieldSportscars every time the car is started).But it’s not all stark simplicity – whereuntrimmed fibreglass bucket seats mightseem logical, the factory has fitted itsSport Turbo seats, which are fantasticallycomfortable and supportive.

Once installed in the cockpit, initialimpressions are focused on the generouscockpit length (we need to bring the seatforward several notches), wide footwelland consequently well-spaced pedals. Atall gear lever falls beautifully to hand,just a palm width away from the steeringwheel.

One option not fitted to this car is afull windscreen, the aeroscreen beingthe standard fitment on a car with suchobvious track day potential. But itmeans eye protection in the form ofgoggles or a full helmet is a must, withthe latter offering obvious safetyadvantages when it comes to stones

being flicked up by other cars.

Left: Specially rated

dampers and springs have

been designed specifically

for the Westfield.

Right: Suspension on this

example uses optional

lightweight Reynolds tubing

with standard cast alloy

uprights. It works a treat.

Below: Honda VTEC

2-litre S2000 delivers

240bhp and is one of the

most charismatic and

entertaining engines on the

market. Period.

18 | April 2013 Issue 73 CKC

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Westfield S2000

CKC April 2013 Issue 73 | 19BUILD • DRIVE • ENJOY

The Honda engine sounds smooth andcontained at tick-over, exiting through acatalysed exhaust system (included in themain kit package) that’s IVA friendly butpleasingly throaty.

The engine is unmodified from itsdonor, save an oil change and the fitmentof a Westfield baffled sump (only reallyneeded for when it heads trackside).Complete with the stock 6-speed gearbox,it’s typically a £2500 second-handpurchase which usually includes theoriginal ECU.

Apart from the sensation that theengine might stall at initial pick-up, theOmex ECU runs the engine sweetly (somefinal mapping is still to be done on thisfirst example before production kits will beoffered). It’s more than happy to potterthrough the Kingswinford shopping area

on our way to more interesting blacktop.But even here there are things to learn.

For starters, the ride... here’s yetanother trickle down advantage for kitowners from the massive development putinto the production Sport Turbo... the rideis sublime. It’s an effortless mix of soft andsupple comfort that seemingly has nodetrimental effect on handling whenpushing on later. The lightweightReynolds tubing, high quality dampers andwell chosen spring rates all combine tosuperlative effect that’s largely unmatchedby other sevenesque competitors. We’d sayit’s unquestionably one of the definingfeatures of the new chassis package,regardless of what’s under the bonnet.

But what’s under the bonnet is prettyspecial. You might think that a cocktail ofstratospheric revs and a naturallyaspirated 2-litre engine would result is a

lacklustre performance at the lowerend of the scale... acar that only getsup and goes whenyou’re working ithard. It’s ratherbetter than that...

Even at low revsthe VTEC soundsgreat and pulls withobvious potential –you’re very aware ofwhat this car can do.

Going through town there’s a worry thatthe 6-speed box is so low geared as tomake first and second redundant... youcan cruise in sixth from seemingly verylow speeds. But it all makes sense whenyou are in the clear. Out in the countrysidethere’s always a gear to match yourrequirements. The lever has a short throwfrom one cog to the next, and its locationso close to the steering wheel is an utterjoy.

And back to the engine... wow, it’ssuper quick and deliciously powerful – aconstant wave of propulsion that sees youtake advantage of every opportunity theroads may bring. It’s mighty, and possiblythe fastest production Westfield we’ve everexperienced.

Above: Driving position is

excellent and Sport Turbo

seats are worth the

premium.

Left: Race Technology

Dash2 unit branded for

Potenza. It works very well.

Below: Dash ultra simple

in this example, but you

could specify trim level to

suit your needs.

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And that’s only made possible by thecomplete assurance given to the driver bythe chassis, suspension, steering andbrakes. The latter feature Westfield’soptional upgrade package, meaningaftermarket 4-pot calipers and largergrooved discs. Complete with fancy pads,they offer a firm pedal and completeconfidence when used firmly... the S2000pulls up straight and true, with no

dramatics – a vital ingredient if you wantto go quickly.

The steering too, is a strong feature ofthis car. Ultra sticky Toyo Proxes R1-Rtyres are turned by what appears to be aparticularly quick steering rack andwhile that makes the steeringsurprisingly heavy at slow speeds, it’s agreat combo when pushing on. TheS2000 brims with grippy confidence,turns in with complete accuracy andoffers extraordinary levels of grip.

It all combines to great effect, makingthe Westfield super quick at all times,whether reeling in a long straight or

Above right: New front

wishbone design operates

directly on inboard coil-over

dampers.

Above right: Big grooved

discs and 4-pot calipers

offer massive and

predictable braking

performance.

Below: This example

features FW rear bodywork,

but the car will come with

conventional SEi bodywork

as standard.

carving through some challenging twistybits. It’s great fun.

As we potter back into town and head tothe factory there’s time to consider theS2000 as an ownership proposition. Theengine is a dream and the easiestcomponent to sum up... once you’veexperienced it, nothing else will do – end of.And the kit itself is also an easy one toplace... it’s the best Westfield we’ve driven –ever. It succeeds perfectly in taking theessential components from the Sport Turbowhich relate to the driving experience, andrefining them into a more focused packagethat’s ideally suited to the kit car builder.

WESTFIELD MEGA S2000

SpecificationsEngine as tested: 2-litre Honda VTEC Type R, Omex ECU, 237bhp.

Engine options: Mega S2000 is bespoke to the Honda VTEC, but other models

accommodate most common engine options... Ford, Mazda etc.

Chassis: Multi-tubular spaceframe chassis, optional lightweight Reynolds tubing and wide-

track wishbones on test car.

Bodywork: All fibreglass pre-coloured panels.

Suspension: Front and rear – Double wishbones, outboard coil-over dampers, cast alloy

uprights. Various options, including anti-roll bars and wide track front wishbones.

Steering: Westfield rack and column.

Brakes: Front 4-pot front calipers and vented calipers, rear calipers with handbrake facility,

no servo.

Kit price: Starter kit: £4250 inclusive VAT. Standard kit: £13,999 inclusive with just engine

and gearbox, plus wheels and tyres to add.

Factory Built: From £21,500.

Budget build cost: From £17,500.

ContactWestfield Sportscars, Kingswinford, West Midlands.

T: 01384 400077. E: sales@westfield-sportscars.co.uk

W: www.westfield-sportscars.co.uk

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Westfield S2000

CKC April 2013 Issue 73 | 21BUILD • DRIVE • ENJOY

Above: This is just a small

area within the hugely

impressive Westfield

factory. Below: Latest

S2000 Westie doesn’t have

to be a stripped back track

day car. Add screen, soft

top and interior trim and it’s

as practical as any car of

this type.

And the vital thing to remember is thatyou can tailor your Westfield Mega S2000to suit your own style and needs. Don’tlike the FW bodywork? The SEi clothing isavailable. Need more daily practicality? Afull screen and soft-top will fit perfectly.Want a more developed interior? Thenchoose from the factory’s wide choice ofcarpet, trim and gauge options.

But at the core of what you buy, willalways be that chassis, that suspension,that ride quality, that fit and finish thatmakes Westfield a company we can all feeljustifiably proud of.

And what about cost. It’s expensive,right? Starter kits for the S2000 begin at£4250, rising to £13,999 (both inclusive ofVAT) for a comprehensive kit requiringjust wheels/tyres and your Honda engineand gearbox. It means a Mega S2000 couldbe on the road from around £17,500...that’s a largely brand new car with 240bhpand a level of quality that’s hard to match.We reckon that’s great value.

Of course, there are still the company’smore affordable options, in the form ofthe Single Donor Vehicle (SDV) packagesfor either Ford or Mazda donors. Thelatter means that for just £8445 you canhave absolutely every last nut and bolt youneed to build a car after you’ve added yourMazda donor. And we know how cheap theMazda can be to source. Alternatively,head for a Classic Special Edition kit andyou’ll get everything brand new (Zetecengine, gearbox... everything) for £15,499.

For £3000 more, Westfield will build itfor you.

It has been another impressive visit tothe UK’s largest kit car manufacturer.Once again, we’ve been bowled over by theprofessionalism of the company and theproduction quality of the kits. But now wecan see tangible advantages for kit carenthusiasts, from Westfield’s foray into theproduction car world... the components

and what they bring to the drivingexperience are better than ever. Andthere’s something else. The Honda S2000brings with it what can only be describedas a lust factor. Where the original RoverV8 engined Westfield SEiGHT took theproduct into another dimension in 1991,so the Mega S2000 has done it in 2013.Here’s another model that leaves youthinking... I really want that! CKC

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