Automotive Expotrs November 2022

ake callipers and interior leather. “At
Theon, attention to detail is everything,”
explains Hawley. “You can see this not
only with the stunning exterior of CHI001,
but also wherever you look under the
skin. Every single component on the car
is treated with the same degree of focus,
whether visible or not.”
Under the skin
Theon’s determination to elevate the onroad
performance of each commission is
reflected in the painstaking analysis and
optimisation of every element of the car;
each component scrutinised with a view
to enhancing performance, quality and
aesthetics.
Such an approach is evident all over
CHI001, where the driving experience is
made even more engaging and capable,
thanks to the fitment of Theon’s hydroelectric
power-steering, a switchable
exhaust and RS-spec semi-active
suspension from specialists TracTive, which
provides independent damping control and
ensures all road surfaces are handled with
aplomb. The driver can switch between
5 tailored damper modes, selected via a
milled aluminium rotary switch integrated
into the centre console – lending CHI001
great breadth of dynamic ability.
CHI001 uses TracTive’s ‘Active Controlled
Electronics’ (ACE) system, which offers
completely independent damping -
with active roll and pitch control for
optimised suspension performance in
all driving scenarios. TracTive’s hightech
system ensures CHI001 remains
stable and unruffled under braking, with
improved composure on corner entry,
greater precision through the apex, and
transformed traction when accelerating out
of a corner. Road undulations are perfectly
managed by each individual damper,
maximising compliance and grip at all
times. Inside each TracTive ACE damper is
a patented Dynamic Damping Adjustment
(DDA) valve controlled by a sensitive multiaxis
g-sensor and advanced algorithm,
has been developed across decades of
on-road and on-track testing. With a
dynamic proportional valve operating
as a bypass, the TracTive damper units
have an especially large range of damping
adjustment, and are capable of reacting in
an industry-leading 6-10 milliseconds. With
such lightning responses, TracTive ACE
system’s performance is elevated far above
that of conventional damper systems; grip
levels in all conditions are vastly improved,
maximising each tyre’s contact patch.
CHI001’s braking system is also heavily
uprated with carbon discs and pads
delivering tremendous, fade-free stopping
power. At the rear of the car, an active
wing sits atop the engine cover – ensuring
perfect aero balance whatever the speed.
Elsewhere, a custom aero grade wiring
loom with MoTeC Power Distribution
Modules further helps reduce weight, while
a modern, lightweight air-conditioning
system with dual condensers is fitted at the
front of the car – shedding even more kilos
and improving weight distribution. With all
fluids and a full tank of fuel, CHI001 weighs
just 1164kg.
The famous aircooled flat six –
enhanced
Theon Design offers a wide choice of aircooled
flat-six-cylinder engine options,
encompassing naturally-aspirated units
that range in capacity from 3.6 to 4.0 litres,
with supercharging or turbocharging also
possible. CHI001 was commissioned
with a naturally-aspirated 4.0-litre motor.
Producing 400bhp and 350 lb ft of torque,
and fitted with a single mass flywheel,
it majors on throttle response and aural
thrills with bespoke independent throttle
bodies developed with Shropshire-based
Jenvey Dynamics, paired with Theondesigned
trumpets, all of which add to the
visceral intake noise. A carbon fibre shroud
aids engine cooling and further enhances
under bonnet aesthetics.
November
2022
100