The Felino cB7R, introduced in 2020, represents the high-performance variant of the Felino cB7 sports car. Built by Felino Automobili, a Canadian manufacturer, the cB7R is a limited-production, track-focused coupe designed for enthusiasts seeking an uncompromising driving experience. It slots in as the top-tier model within the cB7 range, offering significantly increased power and performance compared to the base cB7. The cB7R is characterized by its lightweight construction, powerful naturally aspirated V8 engine, and driver-centric design, aiming to deliver a visceral connection between driver and machine. Production numbers remain intentionally low, contributing to its exclusivity.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Felino |
| Model | cB7 |
| Generation | cB7R |
| Type (Engine) | 6.2 V8 (525 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2020 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 2 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 2.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 2.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 2.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 325 km/h (201.95 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 2.2 kg/Hp, 462.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 1.7 kg/Nm, 580.6 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 525 Hp @ 6200 rpm |
| Power per litre | 85.2 Hp/l |
| Torque | 659 Nm @ 5200 rpm (486.05 lb.-ft. @ 5200 rpm) |
| Maximum engine speed | 6600 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine displacement | 6162 cm3 (376.03 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Kerb Weight | 1135 kg (2502.25 lbs) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 56 l (14.79 US gal | 12.32 UK gal) |
| Length | 4191 mm (165 in) |
| Width | 1930 mm (75.98 in) |
| Height | 1143 mm (45 in) |
| Wheelbase | 2451 mm (96.5 in) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Double wishbone |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 390 mm |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs, 378 mm |
| Front wheel tires | 245/40 R18 |
| Rear wheel tires | 315/30 R18 |
| Front wheel rims | 18 |
| Rear wheel rims | 18 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the cB7R is a 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine, producing 525 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 486 lb-ft of torque at 5200 rpm. This engine is sourced from a modified Chevrolet LS series block, extensively reworked by Felino to optimize performance and reliability. The engine features a cast aluminum block, forged connecting rods, and high-flow cylinder heads. Fuel delivery is managed by a sophisticated electronic fuel injection system, ensuring precise control over the air-fuel mixture. The engine utilizes a traditional overhead valve (OHV) valvetrain, chosen for its simplicity and robustness. The cB7R is exclusively equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, prioritizing driver engagement and control. The transmission features close gear ratios designed to maximize acceleration and track performance.
Driving Characteristics
The cB7R delivers a raw and exhilarating driving experience. The combination of the powerful V8 engine and lightweight chassis results in blistering acceleration – 0 to 60 mph in approximately 2.8 seconds. The manual transmission demands active participation from the driver, rewarding skillful gear changes with rapid acceleration. The car’s relatively short wheelbase and responsive steering contribute to its agile handling characteristics. While exceptionally capable on a track, the cB7R’s firm suspension and direct steering can make it less comfortable for everyday driving compared to more mainstream sports cars. The lack of electronic driver aids emphasizes the importance of driver skill and precision.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The cB7R is purposefully minimalist in its approach to equipment. The focus is squarely on performance, and luxury features are kept to a minimum to reduce weight. Standard features include racing-style bucket seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a basic digital instrument cluster. Air conditioning is available as an option, but many owners opt to forgo it to further reduce weight. The interior is functional and driver-focused, with minimal distractions. Exterior options are limited to paint colors and wheel finishes. The cB7R is not offered with a wide range of trim levels; it’s essentially a highly focused performance package.
Chassis & Braking
The cB7R utilizes a lightweight tubular steel chassis, designed for maximum rigidity and minimal weight. The suspension system employs double wishbone setups at both the front and rear, with adjustable dampers and springs allowing for fine-tuning of the handling characteristics. Braking duties are handled by ventilated disc brakes at all four corners, measuring 390mm in diameter at the front and 378mm at the rear. High-performance brake calipers and pads provide exceptional stopping power. The car rides on 18-inch wheels, shod with high-grip performance tires (245/40 R18 front, 315/30 R18 rear) to maximize traction.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Felino cB7R has received positive reviews from automotive journalists, who praise its raw performance, engaging driving experience, and exclusivity. Critics have noted that it is not a car for the faint of heart, requiring a skilled driver to fully exploit its capabilities. Compared to other high-performance sports cars in its price range, such as the Porsche 911 GT3 or Chevrolet Corvette Z06, the cB7R offers a more visceral and uncompromising experience. Its limited production numbers and unique Canadian heritage also contribute to its appeal. Fuel economy is not a priority, and maintenance costs are expected to be higher than those of more mainstream vehicles.
Legacy
The Felino cB7R represents a return to the classic sports car formula – lightweight construction, a powerful engine, and a driver-focused experience. While its long-term reliability remains to be fully established due to its limited production run, the use of proven components like the Chevrolet LS engine bodes well for its durability. On the used car market, the cB7R is expected to hold its value due to its exclusivity and performance potential. It appeals to a niche group of enthusiasts who prioritize driving engagement and performance above all else, cementing its place as a unique and exciting offering in the high-performance sports car segment.
