WEST LAFAYETTE — Keating Supercars LLC announced Tuesday the company will build the fastest U.S. street-legal car in the Purdue Discovery Park District.
The Viperia Berus, a coupe that can reach speeds greater than 230 mph, will be built in collaboration with Purdue's Motorsports STEM program and a similar automotive STEM program emerging in Great Britain, according to a news release. Purdue students will play a major role in the car's production.
Tony Keating, CEO of Keating Supercars, said in a news release he plans to open a showroom on the west side of the Purdue University campus, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony planned for the last week in May.
“I take pride in this collaborative effort with Purdue University and I’m excited to be able to take advantage of the vibrant Discovery Park District,” Keating said. “As an organization, Keating Supercars have the courage and the capability to design and build cars for the American sportscar market, where high performance is a must.”
Cars are expected to be available for sale in November, and a local manufacturing location is being established, the release said.
About 100 cars a year will be produced at Purdue and will sell for between $180,000 and $250,000, the release said. For each car sold, Keating Supercars will donate $30,000 to support automotive STEM-based education.