A small US startup, Ryn Motors, is pushing the boundaries of street-legal vehicles with its FP3 – a car designed to look and perform like a Formula race car, but engineered to slip through US registration loopholes. The FP3 is sold as a three-wheeler to initially qualify as an “autocycle,” then can be converted to a four-wheel configuration by the owner. This allows the company to sidestep standard road-worthiness regulations that would otherwise prevent such a vehicle from being legally driven on public roads.
Engineering the Legal Loophole
The car’s frame is a semi-monocoque with an aluminum body, and it features a halo cockpit protection system, closely mimicking Formula designs. The initial three-wheel configuration relies on a motorcycle-style chain drive, allowing it to meet autocycle certification standards. Owners can later swap in a fourth wheel, effectively transforming the vehicle without triggering stricter regulations.
Power and Performance
Ryn Motors originally planned to use an Aprilia engine, but now relies on a 1,340cc four-cylinder Suzuki Hayabusa powerplant. The standard engine delivers 210 hp and 120 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed transmission. A turbocharged Hayabusa option will also be available, boosting output to 290 hp and 130 lb-ft.
With a target weight of just 1,140 lbs thanks to fiberglass body panels, the FP3 is projected to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds, with cornering forces up to 2.6G. The bodywork is designed to generate up to 700 lbs of downforce, suggesting a clear focus on track performance.
Pricing and Availability
Reservations are open now, with the base FP3 starting at $78,499 and the turbocharged version at $101,499. Deliveries are staggered: the Early Access Edition is planned for November, followed by the Founder’s Edition in May 2027, and the Launch Edition in December 2027.
This approach demonstrates how manufacturers can exploit loopholes in existing regulations to bring unconventional vehicles to market. The FP3 raises questions about how long this strategy will remain viable as authorities adapt to such tactics.
