Veritas RS III: 30 Handbuilt V10 Roadsters, 215 MPH

The Veritas RS III stands as a testament to uncompromised engineering, a lightweight roadster that channels post-war racing heritage into a modern hypercar package. Developed by Vermot AG in Germany, this exclusive machine combines a BMW-sourced V10 powerhouse with an ultra-light carbon-fiber body, delivering explosive acceleration and stratospheric top speeds.

Origins and Heritage of Veritas

Veritas traces its roots to the late 1940s, when the original marque produced legendary racecars based on BMW 328 platforms. These post-World War II icons dominated circuits across Europe, earning a reputation for speed and handling precision. Fast-forward to the 21st century, and Vermot AG revived the name with the RS III concept unveiled in 2001. After eight years of refinement, the production roadster emerged in 2009, honoring that vintage legacy while embracing cutting-edge materials and technology.

Built in tiny numbers—only 30 units planned in its initial format—the RS III targeted enthusiasts seeking a ‘true race feeling’ on public roads. Production occurred at Vermot’s facility in Grafschaft-Gelsdorf, where a lean team of 15 assembled chassis, bodywork, and interiors across three dedicated workstations. Deliveries began in early 2010, positioning it as a handcrafted alternative to mass-produced exotics.

Design Philosophy: Retro-Futuristic Speedster

At first glance, the RS III captivates with its sweeping, low-slung silhouette—a nod to classic speedsters fused with aggressive, futuristic lines. Measuring 4.68 meters long and 2.02 meters wide, yet just 97 cm tall, it hugs the ground like a predator. The 1+1 seating layout emphasizes driver focus, with a passenger perch tucked behind for minimal intrusion.

The entire body comprises an ultra-light carbon-fiber and Kevlar skin, hand-molded in a Formula 1-grade forge for unmatched rigidity and minimal weight. This ‘racing skin’ drapes over a tubular steel frame, a conventional yet effective supercar construction method that balances strength and lightness. A removable roof panel offers optional weather protection, though many owners embrace the open-air purity at speeds exceeding 200 mph.

• Key Dimensions: Length: 4.68m; Width: 2.02m; Height: 0.97m
• Wheelbase: Optimized for agility with double-wishbone pushrod suspension
• Wheels: 22-inch five-point star rims (10.5-inch front, 12.5-inch rear)
• Tires: Dunlop 255/30 front, 325/25 rear for superior grip

Powertrain: BMW V10 Brutality

Heart of the RS III is a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter BMW V10, borrowed from the M5 lineage and tuned to 507 horsepower at 7,750 rpm. This 90-degree aluminum-block mill, with DOHC valvetrain and electronic fuel injection, churns out 520 Nm of torque at 6,100 rpm. Paired with rear-wheel drive and optional traction control (TCS), it propels the featherweight chassis with ferocious intent.

Transmission choices include a 7-speed SMG sequential or 6-speed manual, ensuring shifts match the car’s raw character. With a power-to-weight ratio of 2.9 kg/kW (469 bhp per tonne), performance figures are staggering: 0-60 mph in approximately 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 347 km/h (215 mph). The engine’s high-revving nature demands skill to harness, especially sans downforce from a roofless design.

Chassis and Handling Dynamics

Suspension employs a height-adjustable sports setup, rigorously tested on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Double-wishbone pushrod architecture at all corners delivers razor-sharp responses, while the ultra-low center of gravity (thanks to that 97 cm height) ensures planted cornering. Braking duties fall to Brabham Racing hardware: 380 mm front discs with six-piston calipers and 355 mm rears with four-piston units, backed by ceramic discs for fade-free stops.

Interior safety features Recaro bucket seats with 4-point harnesses and a protective roll structure integrated into the tube frame. Electronics include switchable ABS and TCS for tamer drives, though purists disable them for unfiltered feedback. Early prototypes faced steering critiques, later addressed with a quicker rack, enhancing high-speed precision as demonstrated in track tests.

Performance in the Real World

Media outlets like Top Gear put the RS III through its paces, noting its explosive throttle response that ‘drop-kicks your stomach.’ The Stig’s lap times highlighted its potential, with improved steering transforming it into a track weapon. Despite the open cockpit’s wind buffet at triple-digit speeds, it outpaces many factory supercars in straight-line fury.

Owners report a visceral experience: bugs at 200 mph feel like ‘tiny bullets,’ yet the engineering holds firm. Its Nürburgring validation and Monte Carlo/Spa appearances underscore road-to-track versatility. At 1,050 kg, putting power down requires finesse, rewarding skilled drivers with addictive propulsion.

Exclusivity and Pricing

Priced around £360,000 (approximately $600,000 at launch), the RS III targeted ultra-wealthy connoisseurs. Limited to 30 roadsters, it achieved cult status before fading. Vermot hinted at coupe and hybrid variants—a V10/electric combo promising 3.1-second 0-62 mph sprints and 205 mph tops—but economic shifts stalled them.

Evolution and Future Prospects

By 2009, emission regulations killed loftier V12 dreams, cementing the BMW V10 as the savior. Hybrid plans blended 507 hp combustion with 105 kW electric boost, eyeing 30 miles of EV range. Yet, like many boutique brands, Veritas dissolved post-production, leaving three known survivors as ‘human missiles’ for lucky owners.

Today, the RS III embodies an era of pure, unfiltered performance before hybridization dominated. Its anomaly status—no windows, no compromise—ensures enduring appeal among purists valuing raw speed over refinement.

Veritas RS III Specifications Overview

• Body Style: 1+1 Roadster, carbon/Kevlar over steel tube frame
• Suspension: Double-wishbone pushrod, adjustable height
• Brakes: Ceramic discs, 6-piston front/4-piston rear
• Safety: Roll structure, 4-point harnesses, optional ABS/TCS
• Production: 30 units, handbuilt from 2010

Pros and Cons

FAQ

What engine powers the Veritas RS III?

A tuned 5.0-liter BMW V10 producing 507 hp and 520 Nm torque.

How fast is the Veritas RS III?

0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds, top speed of 215 mph.

Is the Veritas RS III street-legal?

Yes, designed for road use with optional ABS/TCS, though track-focused.

How many were made?

Only 30 units in roadster form.

Any hybrid version?

Planned but unproduced, combining V10 with electric motor.