Project 1221, who are building a mystery-shrouded new Italian supercar, have offered their latest news update and insight.

This exciting new sportscar, which has the fearsome Bugatti Veyron firmly in its sights, is due to be previewed for the first time during the course of this summer, and each month this year Project 1221 have 'drip fed' general information about the car, touching on areas such as weight distribution, luggage and interior layout, the design of certain exterior parts, and the general specifications including hints towards the performance.

This month they have offered a brief glimpse at the unique dual-position steering wheel arrangement that this 1000+bhp superca will boast.

Project 1221 News Update: May 2005

"As it has already been stated the MF1 is to be commercialised worldwide in both left and right-hand drive. Expanding on this we would like to disclose that what we imply in fact is that all MF1 units will sport both left and right-hand drive, simply selectable in a matter of seconds by the driver without any need of mechanical modifications or adjustments.

"The steering wheel can be swiftly positioned either on the left or on the right side along with the pedals, while the steering rack is - and remains - centrally mounted as on a single-seater racing car.
 

"The foremost advantage of such an arrangement is the added safety margin in case of a massive frontal impact. As the projection of the steering axle lies between the two passengers, the risk of serious injury as a consequence of the steering column penetrating into the passenger compartment is virtually eliminated.

"Of course there are other advantages too. One of the most obvious, for the commercially minded, is being able to (re) sell all MF1 units to all markets, something that should appeal to prospective owners (although it is to be seen how many would ever consider reselling an MF1). Additionally, with the capability to position the steering wheel in the centre when the car is not in motion, the driver is greatly facilitated during both the way in and the way out of the MF1. The intercontinental traveller will in particular appreciate being able to always drive on the "correct" side of the (same) car.

"As for the racer, it will be possible to position the steering wheel on either side, in relation with a track being 'clockwise' or 'anti-clockwise', in order to be closer to the apex of as many turns as possible.

"Concerning the commercial aspect of Project 1221 we will be collecting deposits from individual customers only after we will have unveiled at least one image of the MF1 and its main specification - in particular the engine characteristics - in line with our stated policy regarding the signing-up of Official Dealers as well. Nevertheless, a provisional order of precedence for the first 99 units (# 001 to # 100) is already in place and is steadily mounting.

"A significant increase of the €575 000 - as yet frozen - price will definitely accompany the actual unveiling of the MF1 for all units that will not have been previously reserved either via a 20% deposit (units # 001 to # 100) or via a 1% deposit by credit card (units # 101 to # 200, subject to the payment of the remaining 19% within 10 days of the unveiling of the MF1)."