Bufori CS8 Malaysian sports car review
The hand-built Bufori CS8 sports car, powered by an 810 hp supercharged V8, is priced from RM2.19 million. A prototype drive reveals its monumental performance ahead of deliveries starting next year.
The Bufori CS8 is a new Malaysian-built sports car costing RM2,188,000. It uses a heavily modified 6.4-litre supercharged V8 engine producing 810 horsepower.
While Proton and Perodua dominate local headlines, the small Kepong-based firm Bufori has been crafting bespoke vehicles. The CS8 represents its most conventional model yet. It is a long, low two-seater with a front-mounted V8 and rear-wheel drive.
Power and performance
The heart of the CS8 is a reworked Dodge Hellcat Hemi V8. Bufori has blueprinted the engine and fitted forged internals, increasing displacement to 6.4 litres. The result is monumental power.
| Specification | Figure |
|---|---|
| Power | 810 hp (750 wheel hp) |
| Torque | 975 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h | 3.0 seconds |
| Top speed | 330 km/h |
| Target weight | 1,450 kg |
This performance is aided by a target weight of 1,450 kilograms. For comparison, a Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat weighs over two tonnes. A ZF eight-speed automatic transmission sends power to the rear wheels.
Malaysian manufacturing
Bufori states the CS8 is almost entirely made in Malaysia using local components. This includes the in-house woven carbon Kevlar monocoque, wiring harness, computers, PCB chips, and software.
The company is nonetheless classified as a foreign carmaker. It must pay full import and excise duties despite the car never leaving the country. Bufori calls this situation "a downright crime." These duties are a primary reason for the car's RM2.19 million price tag.
Interior and equipment
The cabin is entirely hand-built and lined in leather. Every car comes with a fully-featured Snap-On tool kit, which Bufori says is worth RM13,000. Heavily-bolstered Recaro bucket seats are standard.
A prototype driven by Hafriz Shah featured a parts-bin interior that is not the final design. Minor changes to the look and displays are expected. The test car also used passive coilover suspension, whereas production models are expected to have adaptive dampers as standard.
Road test verdict
Hafriz Shah sampled a final development prototype ahead of customer deliveries, which are slated to begin in the first quarter of next year. His drive was therefore a first impression rather than a full review.
He reported being "pretty impressed" with Malaysia's only true homegrown sports car. The specific driving dynamics and his complete verdict are detailed in an accompanying video. The car's blend of brutal power and relative lightness promises a thrilling experience.
The true cost of living with such an exclusive, hand-built machine remains to be seen. Its direct competition includes established grand tourers like the Aston Martin Vantage. Each CS8 is a highly individual statement, complete with its own toolkit.
