Adrenaline rush
But let's forget about the numbers for a second. The T-Rex delivers a driving experience that's just not comparable to a closed-cockpit car. The engine is right behind you, shrieking as you wring it right up to its 10,000-rpm redline. The wind is rushing in your face as you're banging through gears with the sequential manual's shift lever.

The T-Rex offers outstanding performance.

The 1400R is the perfect cure for boredom, frustration and stress. Bad day at work? Spouse in on your case? Stock market is down? Climb in the T-Rex and all that negativity just fades into the sunset. Who needs a psychologist with such an adrenaline generator? When you're the passenger, you'll have more time than the driver to admire the front wheels spinning and the suspension arms doing their job about a foot and a half away from you.

On the track, the vehicle never loses grip, even in the tightest corners. That is of course, unless you nail the throttle while the revs are up, causing the rear wheel to break loose. That was less of a concern for my colleague and race-car veteran Bertrand Godin, who was fishtailing the T-Rex out of every tight bend. I wasn't nearly as brave. Imagine how 1.3 g of lateral acceleration can make you grin.

With a fuel capacity of 28 liters or 7.5 US gallons, range depends on how hard you drive, but figure a track-only average of 250 km (150 miles) on a tankful. On the road at normal speeds, though, you'll get much better mileage.

Timeless design
The body of the T-Rex was designed by Paul Deutschman some 15 years ago, and still polarizes onlookers. In the automotive world, that's quite an accomplishment. The design has even inspired a bunch of copycats, but the T-Rex is the real thing. Last year, it got some minor tweaks: the headlights were swapped for projector beams and a new taillight cluster was added.

To get inside, sit your posterior on the hip of the vehicle, swivel your legs into the footwell and slide the rest of your body in. You can also detach the steering wheel to help you get in. To help you get comfortable, the seatback angle and the pedals are adjustable.

That wide rear tire means business, but if you're following a T-Rex, you should keep your distance; that giant gumball will kick up gravel stones and fire them at you. Good thing the visor was down on my helmet, because another T-Rex I was closely following for the photo shoot spit a rock at me and would've hit me right between the eyes.

Aside from the grin factor, the T-Rex is rather unpractical. It comes with two hard luggage cases, but if you're planning a weekend getaway, you'll have to travel light.

And as I've mentioned before, a power outlet would be nice for plugging in various accessories; ironically, a T-Rex I rode in 2 years ago had one.

Unfortunately, you will need a motorcycle driving license for this vehicle.