Sidus Zodiac
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| Sidus Zodiac | |
|---|---|
 1992 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 manufactured 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.
The origins of the Zodiac can be traced to the 1980s, when Sidus sought to make a mid-engined sports car that can compete with other established performance brands in that market segment, while also being more affordable, practical, and reliable than the competition.
First generation (1989-2006)
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)
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).