Who remembers Zenos Cars? The Norfolk start-up first appeared in 2014 with the promise of a £25,000 lightweight sports car, a modern-day interpretation of the Lotus Seven. A handful of E10s were built and sold before the company faltered. Now, more than a decade later, Zenos has re-emerged with the first details of the revived and considerably upgraded E10 RZ.
The original E10 was admired for its innovative aluminium-and-carbon chassis and stripped-back philosophy. The RZ builds directly on that template: at its core remains a single aluminium extrusion forming the car’s spine, now combined with a full carbonfibre tub. Kerb weight is targeted at just 790kg, further aided by carbonfibre bodywork produced in the UK.
Power comes from a reworked 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder producing around 380bhp and 376lb ft of torque, paired with a six-speed manual gearbox and limited-slip differential. That’s sufficient for 0-62mph in a claimed 3.2sec and a top speed of 150mph. Pushrod suspension with inboard dampers is used at the front, with coil-overs at the rear, while braking is by four-piston front callipers on two-piece discs.
The RZ will sit at the top of the new E10 range, priced at around £140,000. It will be joined a few months later by the E10 R2, using a 2.3-litre turbo engine rated at 325bhp and offering a still-formidable 400bhp per tonne. This version will cost about £120,000. Production will be limited, with fewer than 50 cars expected across both models in the first year.
Inside, the E10 has been updated with new instruments and controls, carbonfibre bucket seats and modern lighting. Deliveries are said to begin in early 2026. For more info, see zenoscars.com
