While supercar is a subjective designation and the characteristics change from decade to decade most of the 'ten top' lists include cars with very high hp engines, 2-meter wide bodies and rear wheels mounted with 335 mm tires. However, rules were meant to be broken particularly when the rules are flexible to begin with. So enter the Rocket.
The Rocket's body style is as far away from the Super Ferraris and Lamborghini's as one can get and still be a car. The hood resembles the end of a vacuum cleaner wand while the chassis is cigar shaped. The wheels and suspension linkages are exposed. The cockpit is enclosed on the sides but open on top and there is no windscreen so the driver is always exposed to the elements. The name is appropriate since the body does resemble a rocket lying on its side on wheels.
It was the brainchild of a former racing driver named Chris Craft. It was also his first project. Although Craft considered himself a good craftsmen, he was fully aware that we was not a car designer so Craft hired Gordon Murray to design the Rocket.
Gordon Murray is considered a top Formula One chief designer and his cars have won five world championships. Murray was also responsible for the McLaren F1 road car.
One can therefore expect that the Formula One philosophy will be expressed in the Rocket. And it is. The narrow body, exposed wheels and suspension linkages, open cockpit with no windscreen are considered to be pure Formula 1. Also true to Formula One, the chassis is constructed from nickel-bronze as a space frame, covered with light alloy inner panels and glass-fiber out panels. The engine is utilized as a stress structure to support the rear suspensions.
The Rocket is powered by a Yamaha motorcycle engine FZR 1000's 1002 cc straight 4 with 5 valves per cylinder. It is capable of a maximum power of 143 hp at 10,500 rpm, and 77-lbft torque at 8,500 rpm.
The engine is paired with a 5-speed sequential Yamaha gearbox, and then to a special final drive that incorporated limited slip differential and reverse gear. The gearbox had no reverse.
The Rocket was extremely light weighing only 400 kg. This provided an optimal power-to-weight ratio. It also gave the Rocket outstanding maneuvering and braking capabilities.
The brakes were front ventilated, cross-drilled discs with 4-piston Brembo calipers; rear cross-drilled discs with 2-piston Brembo calipers.
As tested by Autocar, the Rocket could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds and had a top speed of 129 mph.
The Rocket can still be purchased on special order but the price is very high, in the same range as the Lotus Esprit GT3. However, since it accommodates only one passenger, offers no protection from the elements and has no storage space it would certainly not be practical for every day commuting. There is a saying that "the difference between men and boys is the price of their toys." This applies to women as well. The Rocket is a fun car, a toy for those who can afford the price. However, it would be fun to drive if only one time.
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