2008 Rivali ZR-1 1.0

2008 Rivali ZR-1 (inspired by Ultima)
Turbo Charged 2L inline 4
RWD
250HP





--Lore--

"Italian Designed. British Engineered." A phrase often followed by the raspy wail of a once temperamental family sedan engine.


"It's quite alright. Its like how you love your dog, even when it's soaking wet." -Mames Jay, Highest Gear Show

Introducing the 2008 Rivali ZR-1. Rivali was founded when Pragera designer, Sergio Rivali, was sacked after the low sales of the Empatore.

Seeking purpose, Rivali founded Rivali Racing in 2001, taking cars from large brands and refitting them for several race circuits. An itch scratched the once renown designer and after years of retailoring cars from his worshop in London, and in 2008 he bought an old BMS (British Motor Systems) factory to start work on his dream design, the ZR-1.


Engine from a British sedan, headlights from a German sports car and indicators from an American hatchback, all at the high mark up of 1500%.

A stroke of luck came with the factory. Rivali had zero engine design knowledge and a small team, but upon moving into the old BMS factory, 50 2L inline 4 engines produced in 1988 were found.

The ZR-1 was only going be able to produce 50 models and Rivali wanted to make it as special as possible. Of the 50 produced, 5 were produced in "Leaga" Yellow. A special tone of yellow developed by Rviali's remaining friends at Pragera just for the ZR-1.


The first ZR-1 produced at your hands!

The small engine allowed the wheel base to be extremely short, while allowing the driver and brave passenger ample room. Rivali fitted the engine with a turbo charger, implemented over head cams and fitted the whole package with a race differential and 6 gear manual.

Rivali stressed that the vehicle must be road legal while also being able to be driven on to any racetrack straight off the dealer lot. Chief Acoustics Engineer, Mario Sivetti, took a ZR-1 home for a weekend and noted that multiple neighbors came to him complaining about the car's noise. "I take great pride in this result," Sivetti said.

Rauchman Bach, the owners of BMS at the time, were so impressed with the ZR-1 that they bought 10 of them, rebranding them as the RB ZR-1 and used 9 in worldwide GT race circuits for 10 years. The final one was a Legaga Yellow 1 of 5, was not rebranded, and is currently in the Rauchman Bach museum in Berlin.


Rauchman Bach promotional material showcasing Rivali partnership


This started a partnership with Rivali to provide engines for street ready track toys. Making Rivali the designer for their F1 cars from 2008-2015, allowing Rivali to make 7 more cars, including a street legal 3 seater with an F1 engine in it, the TR-3 F1.


The ZR-1's sleek, race-car design

Interior:

Rivali was basically forced to include a stereo and CD player as the constant noise of the engine could cause tinnitus.