Cars like the Ariel Atom, BAC Mono and KTM X-Bow all pursue a similar idea: cut weight and bring the driver as close to the driving experience as possible. The Drakan Spyder is an American interpretation of that visceral formula, as it combines race-bred hardware with naturally aspirated V8 power. Finished in green over black interior, this 2015 example, showing 4,619 miles, is available exclusively through duPont REGISTRY Select.
The Drakan was developed by former General Motors engineer Shinoo Mapleton, founder of California-based Sector111, together with Dennis Palatov of Palatov Motorsport. Sector111 specialized in lightweight sports cars, spending more than a decade developing performance components for Lotus models while also selling the Ariel Atom and importing and assembling the BAC Mono in the United States.
That experience shaped the Drakan's whole design philosophy. Instead of building an outright race car for the road, Sector111 sought to deliver similar immediacy while retaining some civility. The Formula car suspension was designed around that same objective. Double wishbones work with inboard coilovers, pushrods, and Palatov-designed progressive bellcranks. The arrangement provides greater compliance early in the suspension's travel before progressively increasing the effective spring rate under compression, helping control squat, pitch, and body roll without relying on an excessively stiff setup.
Based on Palatov's D2 architecture, the two-seat Drakan is built around a chromoly tubular frame covered by lightweight fiberglass honeycomb bodywork. A windshield provides some protection from the elements, although there are no doors or roof. Inside, an AiM digital display, MOMO steering wheel, Schroth Racing harnesses, and exposed manual shifter reinforce the minimalist approach. Other highlights include two-piece GiroDisc brakes and forged HRE multispoke wheels. The functional aerodynamic package is difficult to miss, combining a low front splitter with a giant swan-neck rear wing.
Power comes from a mid-mounted 6.2-liter GM LS3 V8 that produces 430 horsepower, sent to the rear wheels through a Porsche-sourced six-speed manual transaxle with longer ratios designed to exploit the engine's mid-range torque. Sector111 quoted zero to 62 mph in around 3.2 seconds, and a top speed of 165 mph.
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The defining number, however, is the 2,000-pound curb weight, giving the Drakan a power-to-weight ratio of just 4.65 pounds per horsepower. For context, the V10-powered Porsche Carrera GT packs 605 horsepower with roughly 3,043 pounds, giving it a power-to-weight ratio of approximately 5.0 pounds per horsepower. The Drakan takes its minimalist approach even further, doing without ABS or traction control and leaving the driver largely responsible for managing its performance. Sector111 initially accepted just 10 orders for 2015, making the Drakan rare even by the standards of boutique, low-volume manufacturers.
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