Scorpion III

Chassis
Computer optimised steel tube space-frame. Blasted surface protected by zinc primer and polyester powder coating by Redditch Shotblasting. The S-III is fully TUV approved (German approval necessary for marketing within the EU).

Body
Glass-fibre reinforced polyester, manufactured by hand, 2-pack paint finish. Virtually unlimited colour choice.

Engine
New or used BMW K-Series, all models:
1300cc 16 valve 185bhp K40 (2009 on)
1200cc 16 valve 175bhp K40 (2004 on)
1200cc 16 valve 130bhp RS (1997 - 2004)
1200cc 16 valve 110bhp LT (1997 - 2009)
1100cc 16 valve 100bhp LT and RS (1992 - 1997)

All BMW motors have digital EFI.

Transmission - Pre K40
There are several gearbox options for all non K40 K-Series motors; the 1100cc comes standard with a 5-speed gearbox. Since the launch of the K1200, a six-speed box has been available - and also a five-speed box with BMW's electric 'Back Up' reverse gear system. The later gearboxes can only be specified in conjunction with a 1200 type chassis, but can be used on either an 1100 or 1200 motors (not the K40).

The 1100 5-speed gearbox carries the rear suspension on the back of its casing. The later 1200 and reverse gearboxes require the rear suspension to be chassis mounted, so pre and post 1200 gearboxes are not interchangeable. The later system offers more rigidity, but the earlier type performs perfectly well on the 1100 motor.

Transmission - K40
The all new K40 has a completely different engine and drive train, departing from the early north to south crankshaft layout and adopts the more commonly found, and well proven, east to west crankshaft layout. All K40's have a 6-speed gearbox. Reverse is currently not an option on the K40.

Note: The 1100 uses a 15in rear wheel fitted with a 195/50/15 tyre. All 1200's and vehicles fitted with 'Back Up' are fitted with a larger wheel and tyre: 7.5in x 16in with 205/50/16 tyre.

Clutch
Early non K40 1100 and 1200cc drive trains use a car type single plate dry clutch. The early 1200 is hydraulically operated, the early 1100 is cable. The clutch is replaced in the K40 with a 'wet' oil-bathed multi-plate, hydraulically operated unit.

Final Drive
Shaft

Suspension
Front suspension: Double wishbones in oval tubing with inboard concentric coil springs and dampers. Anti-roll bar fitted. Optional adjustable ‘Ohlins’ quality gas dampers.

Rear suspension: All S-IIIs use the standard BMW rear swinging arm suspension system. All of the drive trains used have BMW’s ‘Para-Lever’ rear suspension that prevents ‘jacking up’ under acceleration. The K40 is fitted with the latest race developed ‘Rising Rate’ linked (more info) rear suspension, that allows an ultra smooth ride with spring and damper rates that rise on demand.

Brakes
Front brakes: Girling single piston sliding calipers with hand brake. Optional Hi-Spec 2-piston calipers with incorporated mechanical park brake.

Rear brake: BMW K-series 290mm disc, twin opposed piston non-floating calliper. The K40 uses a 2-piston fixed rear caliper and a 265mm disc. All systems incorporate a non adjustable braking bias valve.

Steering
Aluminium race type by Titan Motorsport, centre pinion 2.5 turns lock to lock. Right or left-hand drive. Grinnall design steering column incorporating sliding safety feature, sealed needle roller bearings. Optional Momo snap off steering wheel.

Wheels and Tyres
Front: Cast aluminium by Rimstock 6 x15 with 195/50 ZR15 tyres.
Rear: Aluminium 3 piece split rim 7.5x15 with 195/55 ZR15 tyre (1100 model only) or 7.5x16 with 205/50 ZR16 tyre (for all other models). Toyo tyres are recommended.

Fuel Tank - all models
Aircraft quality welded aluminium fabrication with weir system. 28-litre capacity. Low and high pressure fuel pumps to prevent fuel starvation during high-speed cornering. Supplied by AH Fabrications.

Interior - non K40
Two orthopedically designed seats abreast, water resistant leather look. Different fabrics including Alcantara material also available. Adjustable pedals and optional foot rest, Luke four point safety belts,  twin T45 alloy steel roll over bars, BMW electronic rev-counter and speedometer, separate gauges for water temperature and fuel level. Optional snap-off Momo race car steering wheel with Grinnall steering column. Autowatch keyless proximity sensor ignition control. Self cancelling directional indicators with momentary switch. 'Missile launch' ignition switch in conjunction with starter button. Optional cockpit weather cover. Optional all-over cover.

Interior - K40
Two orthopedically designed seats abreast, water resistant leather look fabric. Different fabrics including Alcantara material also available. Adjustable pedals and optional foot rest, Luke four point safety belts, twin T45 alloy steel roll over bars, BMW digital instrument cluster incorporating fuel level, temperature and gear position indicator. Optional snap-off Momo race car steering wheel with Grinnall steering column. Autowatch keyless proximity sensor ignition control. Self cancelling directional indicators with momentary switch. 'Missile launch' ignition switch in conjunction with starter button. Optional cockpit weather cover. Optional all-over cover.

Dimensions - K40
Average dry weight: 395kg.
Maximum total weight: 600kg including passenger and luggage.
Length overall: 360cm. approx.
Wheelbase: 270cm. approx.
Maximum overall width: 176cm.
Performance: 0-60 mph approx. 4 seconds.
Maximum speed: over 130mph.
Economy: fuel consumption 35-50mpg approx.

The Scorpion III is SVA compliant and has German TUEV approval (1995).