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Bufori is expanding its range of cars with the Bufori CS.

KNOWN as a maker of retro-looking cars with current-day automotive technology, Bufori has taken a big step in a new direction.

The rather uncharacteristic looking Bufori CS (Compact Sports) is now scheduled for rollout early next year.

With the CS, the exotic automaker intends to start a new line-up of cars with modern styling that will complement its retro-styled cars.

Moving into the modern-styled sports car segment is part of an expansion that is aimed at catering to a wider scope of buyers.

The next step forward: The two-door sports car will still be built with Bufori’s typical craftmanship.

The production CS coupe will be powered by a 2.0-litre B420T engine that is force-inducted and will feature a lightweight composite body.

Although the CS looks different from the rest of the Bufori line-up, the Malaysian-based automaker said it would still feature Bufori’s typical craftsmanship.

The styling of the CS is intentionally modern, boasting elegant flowing lines and subtly pronounced fenders.

Four circular LED rear lights give an additional sporty dimension to the overall body.

Furthermore, a CS version of a race car will be taking part at Macau GP 2009 and it would be the first for Bufori to build a production car based on its initial motorsport involvement.

Called the Bufori BMS R1, the car is being jointly developed by BMS (Bufori Motor Sport) and Axle Motorsport headed by former Formula 1 driver Alex Yoong.

Although working under a tight schedule of less than 10 weeks, the BMS Axle Racing team is confident that it can pull its resources together and put on a good show at the 56th Macau GP’s GT Cup event happening today, alongside cars like Ferraris, Porsches and Lamborghinis.

“With a Malaysian initiative separate from Formula 1, it has put the spotlight on the country and we are proud to showcase the potential we have here,” said Yoong.

“We don’t have the budgets F1 teams do, so it is a great testament to show what can be done with the right approach and limited resources. Hopefully, this will spur other companies to see the opportunities in this industry.”

The Bufori BMS R1 race car being prepared for the track. It is made up mostly of carbon fibre and kevlar

The car that would become the first Malaysian-built GT race car will be driven by Yoong himself and Frank Yee Wai Kah of Hong Kong.

The team aims to, first of all, finish the race and to return home from the races in the highest possible position.

Bufori intends to establish itself as an automaker with motorsport involvement and expertise that are expected to filter through to its road cars.

The company also plans to take part in other events in future.

The BMS R1 features a lightweight construction that is mostly made up by carbon fibre and kevlar.

The left-hand drive racer has a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine mated to a six-speed sequential transmission.