Factory ending XTR production

[scott beeland]

Not that I'd be able to afford/ justify either model, but I find it disappointing (and personally a backward step)  that Westfield Sportscars are to cease production of the XTR2 & XTR4.

What do you think?

[Matt Seabrook]

I think the Radical is the better car and so the sales are not what they could be for the XTR

[scott beeland]

Shouldn't that be a reason to develop instead of give up?

IMO (not withstanding the fact I know it's their business, and therefore their decision)... some of the money spent in acquiring GTM (and that god awful Cobra thing) could have been used to improve the XTRs to keep up with the competition

[Martin Keene]

Are they really canning it?

If so, I am getting really concerned for the future. Potenz bought GTM and stopped production, ditto for the Cobra thing, and now XTR...

Stories of bodywork out sourcing, and did I hear somebody say the chassis were now being outsourced as well?

[scott beeland]

And not forgetting the imminent end of the 11

[dombanks]

is this not just a sign of the times? sad to see it go.

but if no one was buying it (or not enough were buying it) then what are they supposed to do?

was there a race series for them?

[Kiwi XTR2]

I think the Radical is the better car and so the sales are not what they could be for the XTR

"Some" Radicals are better/quicker.  Certainly not the clubsports.

The XTR2 was however significantly cheaper spec for spec, brand new.  The number of cheap 2nd-hand Radicals might be an issue too.

What still amazes me to this day was the failure to leverage off the coverage on Top Gear.

[Mark Stanton]

sign of the times perhaps if cars aren't selling then is it cost efficient to retain them

Potenza inherited the XTR2, XTR4, XI and all other ranges of Westfields + purchase of GTM and a Swedish Cobra and so far have not produced a "Brand New" vehicle, (can't really count an electric car that has yet to go into production) ......... and have only been able to develop the "Seven" to comply with EU legislation - the times of the kit car industry have and are still changing         some for better, some not - but always require a considerable amount of time and investment .......... is it cost effective to develop one car or 6 ??

[hilux]

Ginetta brought out the G20 and the series so buyers could race

They resupply chassis, bodies and parts and it has kept them going (even into Le Mans)

I had/rebuilt a G27 V8 and remember when the company was on its knees

I have never understood why Westfield never attempted the same

The Locost principle is more common in 750 type club racing

[CedricTheBrave]

Problem with building the Xtr2 and 4 is that WF are not into racing (in the UK) they have no factory backup to give good support to anyone who wants to race an Xtr. the price difference with Radical is huge now I think their new turbo car is circa 60k but with that you get massive experience and backup from the factory those guys really know their onions.

Interesting that Caterham are launching a mid engined (Lola) car into their range though!! maybe they are going to pickup where WF left off?

[Mark Stanton]

QUOTE

Ginetta brought out the G20 and the series so buyers could race

They resupply chassis, bodies and parts and it has kept them going (even into Le Mans)

I had/rebuilt a G27 V8 and remember when the company was on its knees

I have never understood why Westfield never attempted the same

You can't really compare the two, and without sounding negative but Potenza guys do not race, are not race enthusiasts and have very limted knowledge of what racing is about, simply not in their blood .............. whereas Lawrence at Ginetta is an out and out race nut and enjoys his every minute on the track ......... he has many other business interests besides Ginetta which is his "weekend" enjoyment  

[lippydave]

Well.....

It seems to me that a plethora of kit car companies start up by buying unwanted/obsolete models from other marques......

If someone feels strongly enough, what's to stop them making Westfield an offer they can't refuse and buying up the tooling and manufacturing rights to the XTR range?  

Assuming W/f want to sell it of course....

[Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman]

Well.....

It seems to me that a plethora of kit car companies start up by buying unwanted/obsolete models from other marques......

If someone feels strongly enough, what's to stop them making Westfield an offer they can't refuse and buying up the tooling and manufacturing rights to the XTR range?  

Assuming W/f want to sell it of course....

Or even easier    ordering one of the kits before it becomes obsolete, thus demonstrating it's a financially viable model...

[Mark Stanton]

QUOTE

ordering one of the kits before it becomes obsolete, thus demonstrating it's a financially viable model...

so very true and if only there were a well supported race series to participate in        

Radical, Ginetta have all launched new models are to back of an attractive and well supported race championship ............ its the only way for success ........ something WSC Ltd have never done (ever) not even set-up proper track-day organising          always been a case of here's a car now find you own race series and it's too late now      

[scott beeland]

Bring back the Smiths I say. Petrol ran within those veins, not money.

I liked the cut of Julians jib when they 1st took over ( car development/ taking on customer ideas/ racing/ trackdays etc.....)

Now? I'm sad to admit I think it was all talk; and what we have left is a sterilised/ fattened/ euro pleasing prettying out of the "traditional" westfield that will make money in the "new world" markets.....and nothing else