Local automotive manufacturing startup Catalyst Motors is looking to launch a made-in-Singapore sports car by 2023.
According to a report by The Straits Times, the firm is currently in the final stages of building a rolling chassis that will serve as the prototype for its first vehicle — a 1960s-style two-door sports car.
The rolling chassis — which is expected to be completed in the next three to four months — will be modular in nature, which means that its design can be easily applied to other types of cars. In addition to the sports car, the company intends to build a sport utility vehicle (SUV) and supercar in the future as well.
Catalyst Motors was started in 2014 by Lionel Lau and Anthony Parks, two automotive enthusiasts who have known each other for 15 years. The two have already invested a “few million” dollars of their own money into the company, and plan to look for partners as the business scales up.
The company currently employs 30 staff, with consultants in Italy, Britain and China.
The chassis is made from custom-fabricated aircraft and automotive-grade aluminium parts. Catalyst decided not to employ the services of an automotive firm, and assembled it themselves by hand instead.
“We understand the process of putting the chassis together, and know it inside out, so when we go into further production, or when we build multiple models of this variant, it can happen relatively quickly.” Parks said.
The company has also enlisted the help of three engineering instructors from the National University of Singapore (NUS)— Lim Hong Wee, Hozefa Husainne and Kenneth Neo — who have experience prior experience in building cars thanks to their involvement in NUS’ Formula Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) race car project.
Upon completion, the prototype will be sent the Britain to be tested and certified for roadworthiness. The remaining bodywork will then be done in Singapore, and the completed product will be sent back to Britain for final approval.
