2004 Orca C113

Rene Beck’s vision of a supercar is the Orca C113. For the past 15 years, Rene has personally financed development of a car which rivals the Pagani Zonda, Porsche Carrera GT and Ferrari’s Enzo. Rene states ”We will build the fastest road car in the world.”

Rene’s project began in 1987, but just recently the first car was completed. At the 2003 Geneva Auto Show, Orca unveiled a fully drivable blue supercar registered for use in Switzerland.

Formed in 2004 with partner Ralph Beck, Orca is a new company dedicated to take the C113 to market. The company is focusing on the German, Austrian and Swiss regions by setting up a service network and promoting the C113 at car events and in major publications.

Rene used a modular design concept of for the construction of the C113. Its chassis consists of three large carbon fibre/nomex components which can be removed individually for maintenance. The body is made from ten pieces which are screwed in place for easy replacement. The whole structure is supported by aluminum inserts placed within the twelve carbon fiber layers that make up the chassis.

The first blue show car is based around Volvo mechanics, including a 2.3-liter T5 Volvo engine, but Ford has backed out since the C113 is direct competition to the GT40. Subsequent cars use an Audi V8 engine specially prepared by MTM. Partnership with MTM is beneficial as MTM has an established support network, and extensive knowledge tuning Audis for the last 15 years. The V8 specifically prepared for Orca is the 4.2-Liter V8 from the Audi S6. A radical twin turbo modification offers 11.6 psi of pressure to create 641hp at 5400 rpm.

One highlight feature of the C113 is an active suspension provided by MAXTRAC. The system uses electronically controlled damping to ensure maximum adhesion. During tight maneuvers the system can raise or lower the ride height of the C113. Another unique feature is the 7-speed sequential transmission or optional nine speed unit. With all the technology packed into the C113, it is hard to imagine the car is basically a homebrew machine built out of Rene’s two car garage.

While success of the C113 as a serial production supercar has yet to be had, Rene has created a car and a company which is unique to Switzerland. The company is currently seeking investment to start production. In the works is a roadster version but the next model will most likely be in the Sony’s Gran Turismo 4.

In Detail