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American supercar builder Mosler and its MT900S model put up a pretty good fight in the world’s fastest car category. The supercar hits 60 mph from a standstill in less than 3.5 seconds, has a top speed of well over 180 mph and runs the quarter mile in 12 seconds. But that’s not good enough for some builders, like Intense Automotive Design, who looked to completely smash the specialty car’s performance numbers.
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Its creation is called Mosler MT900 GTR XX Twin Turbo (aka “The Land Shark”) and uses generous amounts of carbon fiber, magnesium and titanium throughout the bespoke chassis and 381 cu. in. engine to create a monster of a Mosler. The chassis has been completely stripped and replaced by a modular composite structure said to weigh less than 100 lb. Dripping wet, curb weight comes out to a scant 1898 lbs.
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Its engine is just as surreal. Cranks, rods, sleeves, cams and just about every other mechanical component were replaced by an aluminum, titanium or magnesium copy. Regular LS7 V-8 powered Mosler MT900Ss make a respectable 550-hp, whereas the IAD Land Shark cranks out 2500-hp. Yes, you read that correctly. And according to IAD owners, it’s fully street legal and qualifies as a ‘hybrid’ in California due to its multi-fuel type (hydrogen, ethanol, gasoline) fuel system.
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Significant work also was done to the Mosler’s exterior. Numerous splitters, diffusers, intakes, outlets and a sealed flat belly all keep the supercar planted and not in the air. Twenty-inch rear, 19-in. front magnesium and carbon fiber Dymag wheels wrapped in rubber big enough to make a steam roller envious ensure grip is always on tap.
Supposedly, with everything tuned and ready to rock and roll, the Land Shark speeds past 62 mph in 2.5 sec on its way to a limited v-max of 305 mph. Engineers state their wind tunnel and computer tests show a possible 375 mph top speed, but they smartly haven’t tried. Check out its other numbers: 0-150 mph in 6.7 sec.; 0-250 mph in 17.5 sec.; 0-150mph-0 takes 8.7 sec. Pretty amazing on paper, yes. But until this thing is put to the track and tested, we’re not yet true believers.
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And for these reasons of skepticism, IAD has scheduled to run the Land Shark at this year’s Bonneville Speed Week. After this speed attack is certified by the Guinness Book of World Records, IAD will ship its creation to Germany for some runs on the famed Nurburgring circuit with non other than seven-time F1 world champ Michael Schumacher behind the wheel. Again, we’ll have to see it to fully believe it, but as it stands on paper, it’s safe to say the IAD Land Shark is one impressive machine.
