Joss Developments
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | 2004 |
| Founder | Matthew Thomas |
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Products | Sports cars (JT1, JP1 prototypes) |
The Joss JP1 represents a sports car prototype created by Joss Developments that ultimately did not enter mass production.
The first test model, known as the JT1, was engineered and unveiled in 2004. It made its public debut at the Melbourne, Adelaide, and Sydney Motorshows, receiving positive reviews and positioning Joss as a noteworthy contender in the supercar market. Performance metrics indicated acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.0 seconds and completing the quarter mile in 11.7 seconds at a speed of 130 mph.
Despite the absence of a production version at that time, the JT1 was featured in several video games including Project Gotham Racing 3, PGR4, Forza Motorsport 3, Forza Motorsport 4, and Forza Horizon.
After securing external funding and advancing technological development, Joss aimed to produce a mid-engine model named the JP1, with plans to manufacture 25 units annually starting in 2013 and pricing each above $500,000. However, following the withdrawal of investment in 2014, the focus shifted towards developing a racing variant for Targa Tasmania through crowdfunding initiatives.
By December 2016, the JT1 was available for purchase on carsales.com.au.
Design
Joss Developments Limited was established by Technical Director Matthew Thomas, an automotive designer whose background includes work with Stewart Grand Prix, Bentley, Jaguar, and Aston Martin.
Initially, the JT1 was presented exclusively in sky blue; however, images also capture it in white alongside the production team. During its development phase, the JP1 prototype has been seen in multiple color schemes.
Performance Specifications
- Acceleration (0–100 km/h / 0-62 mph): under 3.0 seconds
- Quarter mile (0–400 m): 11.7 seconds
- Maximum velocity: exceeding 340 km/h (211 mph)
Engine and Transmission
- All-aluminium DOHC V8 engine with fuel injection
- Custom Joss/Albins transaxle
- Power output: 350 kW (bhp)
- Torque: 572 Nm (lb·ft)
Dimensions and Weight
- Wheelbase: 2560 mm (100.8 in)
- Overall length: 4350 mm (171.3 in)
- Width: 1860 mm (73.2 in)
- Height: 1140 mm (44.9 in)
- Ground clearance: 110 mm (4.3 in)
- Frontal area: 1.8 m²
- Curb weight: 1050 kg (2315 lb)
Performance Specifications
- Acceleration (0–100 km/h / 0-62 mph): 3.0 seconds
- Quarter mile (0–400 m): 11.9 seconds at 130 mph
- Estimated top speed: 300 km/h
Engine and Transmission
- 6.8L all-alloy fuel-injected V8 with 16 valves
- Five-speed manual gearbox (Porsche G50), equipped with triple plate clutch
- Power output: 328 kW (bhp)
- Torque: 570 Nm
Dimensions and Weight
- Wheelbase: 2560 mm (100.8 in)
- Length: 4320 mm (170.1 in)
- Width: 1840 mm (72.4 in)
- Height: 1120 mm (44.1 in)
- Ground clearance: 120 mm (4.7 in)
- Frontal area: 1.6 m²
- Curb weight: 940 kg (2072 lb)