Sidus Zodiac
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| Sidus Zodiac | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Sidus |
| Also called | JLC Model Z (Great Nortend) |
| Production | 1989-2006 (1st gen) 2016-present (2nd gen) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | sports car |
| Body style | 2-door coupe |
The Sidus Zodiac, marketed in Great Nortend as the JLC Model Z, is a two-seater mid-engined sports car made by Sidus. The Zodiac was manufactured in two generations: the first generation was produced between 1989 and 2006 while the second generation has been produced since 2016. The Zodiac serves as Sidus and JLC's flagship car.
First generation (1989-2006)
| Sidus Zodiac (ZC1/ZC2) | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Sidus |
| Also called | JLC Model Z (Great Nortend) |
| Production | September 1989 - March 2006 |
| Assembly | Havusalmi Plant, Dagsmark, Valkea |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | sports car |
| Body style | 2-door coupe |
| Layout | mid-engined, rear-wheel drive |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
|
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic 5-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,530 mm (99.6 in) |
| Length | 4,415 mm (173.8 in) |
| Width | 1,810 mm (71.3 in) |
| Height | 1,170 mm (46.1 in) |
| Curb weight |
|
| Chronology | |
| Successor | Sidus Zodiac (second generation) |
The Zodiac was Astyria's first production sports car to be produced with an all-aluminum monocoque chassis. Available in Great Nortend as the JLC Model Z, it first debuted at the 1988 Varen Livet Auto Show and built at a purpose-built factory in Dagsmark. It benefited from Sidus' F1 partnership with MacGregor, incorporating advanced aerodynamics and styling inspired by contemporary fighter jets of the time.
Powering it was a naturally aspirated 3.2L Sidus SP1 V6 engine producing 300 hp, which featured Sidus's Variable Valve Timing and Lift System (VTALS) technology. It was available with a 4-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual. Originally available as a two-door coupe, a targa top version was introduced in 1997. The engine was later upgraded to the 3.5L SP2 V6 in 1998, which offered more power. Due to increasing safety regulations, a facelift was introduced in 2002, which discontinued the pop-up headlights in favor of fixed ones.
Citing low demand, Sidus discontinued the Zodiac in 2006.
Second generation (2016-present)
| Sidus Zodiac (ZF1) | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Sidus |
| Also called | JLC Model Z (Great Nortend) |
| Production | July 2016-present |
| Assembly | Havusalmi Plant, Dagsmark, Valkea |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | sports car |
| Body style | 2-door coupe |
| Layout | mid-engined, all-wheel drive/rear-wheel drive (GT3) |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 4.2L Sidus SQ7 twin-turbocharged V8 |
| Electric motor | dual front electric motors, single rear electric motor |
| Transmission | 8-speed dual-clutch |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,630 mm (103.5 in) |
| Length | 4,470 mm (176.0 in) |
| Width | 1,940 mm (76.4 in) |
| Height | 1,215 mm (47.8 in) |
| Curb weight |
|
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Sidus Zodiac (first generation) |
The second generation Zodiac is a hybrid sports car with a 4.2L twin-turbocharged V8 with three electric motors (two at the front and one at the rear), mated to an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. It produces a total of 628 hp and 804 N⋅m (592 lb⋅ft) of torque, accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 2.8 seconds and attaining a top speed of 326 km/h (202 mph).