Glickenhaus 004 supercar passes crash test without airbags
Glickenhaus' 004 is nearing the end of its long road to certification as roadworthy in the U.S., and the company provided an update on just how impressive this mid-engine supercar is with regard to crash safety.
Glickenhaus revealed earlier this month that the 004 passed a side impact test with a movable or deformable barrier at 32 mph without airbags. The photo above shows the intact passenger compartment after the collision; the 004 seats three passengers, with the driver in the center and the front passenger on either side.
Helping to achieve the strength and rigidity needed to accomplish such a feat are carbon fiber tubes. Such structures are common in motorsports because they are not only strong but also lightweight.
Crash tests were conducted on two street legal versions of the 004, the 004S road car and the 00CS track car. The third version, the 004C, is a race-only car that can participate in GT3 competition. The first version was developed and has been running on the track since 2020.
Crash testing of the road-going 004 variant began a year ago. Among the first tests was a frontal crash at 30 mph.
The 004S is powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8, specifically the LT4, procured from General Motors. The 004CS is powered by GM's LT5 supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine, rated at 650 hp and mated to a 6-speed manual transmission with a gated shifter; the 004CS is also powered by GM's LT5 supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine, rated at 750 hp and mated to a 7-speed sequential transmission with paddle shifters instead of a manual.004C is powered by a naturally aspirated V-8 race engine rated at approximately 520 hp.
Prices for the 004S start at $483,000 and the 004CS at $627,000. Exposed carbon fiber on the body is a $70,000 premium for both.
Production of the 004 takes place at the Glickenhaus factory in Danbury, Connecticut. At least one 004S has been delivered to a UK customer. Glickenhaus has not yet said when deliveries in the U.S. will begin.
