Sidus Dorado
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| Sidus Dorado | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Sidus |
| Production | 2000-2010 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | sports car |
| Body style | roadster |
| Layout | Front mid-engine, rear-wheel drive |
The Sidus Dorado is an two-seater roadster manufactured by Sidus from 1998 to 2010. First revealed at the 1996 Källälivi Motor Show as a design study, it debuted on 14 April 1998 to celebrate the company's 50th anniversary. Production of the Dorado ceased on 25 September 2010.
The Dorado, as with other Sidus models, is named after the constellation of the same name.
DR1 (1998-2004)
The first generation of the Sidus Dorado debuted in 1998 for the 1999 model year. It has a 1,997 cc naturally aspirated inline-four DOHC VTALS engine (codenamed Z420A) that outputs 241 hp for the international market, and 254 hp for the Lorecian market. Sidus claimed that the Z420A produced the highest specific output of any naturally aspirated engine in an automobile. The engine is mounted behind the front axle, giving the car 50:50 weight distribution.
The Dorado features aluminum body panels mounted on an X-bone chassis that aided the car's rigidity. It also has independent double-wishbone suspension, electric power steering, and integrated roll hoops.
It was produced alongside the Zodiac and Orion at Sidus's Dagsmark plant.
DR2 (2005-2010)
The Dorado underwent significant changes in the 2005 model year, with the inclusion of a revised subframe, retuned suspension, 17 inch wheels, and Suhonen SC-250 tires. Cosmetic changes included new front and rear bumpers, headlight assemblies, and oval-tipped exhausts.
In response to the < place > market, Sidus introduced the Z422C, a variant of the Z420A with a longer stroke that increased displacement to 2,157 cc. The redline was lowered from 9,000 rpm to 8,200 rpm, while peak torque was slightly increased and was achievable at a lower rpm range. Power remained unchanged at 241 hp.
A track-oriented version called the Club Spec (CS) was introduced for the < place > market in 2008. It featured a redesigned body kit including a front and rear spoiler, a removable hard top, revised exhaust systems, aluminum shift knob, and racing indicator lights on the steering wheel. To reduce weight, the spare tire was omitted and the air conditioning and stereo were optional extras. A total of 1,500 units were produced between 2008 and 2010.
For the Valkean domestic market, the A-Spec was offered for the 2009 and 2010 model years. It shared similar changes with the CS edition, except for the retention of the soft top and wheels from the base Dorado.