First look: Redback Spyder laid bare!

A MELBOURNE-BUILT 1000kg supercar using a 300kW Chevrolet V8 to sprint to 100km/h in less than four seconds debuted at last week's 2006 Melbourne International Motor Show.

Called the Redback Spyder, it uses a tubular spaceframe chassis and carbon-fibre panels.

It is the result of a study first shown at the Melbourne show in 2002, and was created by former motorcycle racer Nick Tomkinson.

The Redback was created to showcase Australia’s specialist automotiveindustry’s capabilities.

"The idea was to show what the local industry can do – a bit like the aXcess Australia concept cars, but focusing on the specialist areas," he said.

No production is planned, but since a second Redback prototype has been sent to America for fit and finishing, this may change if US interest results.

Talkshow host and car enthusiast Jay Leno is reportedly interested.