Leicestershire is fast becoming the high-octane capital of the UK after it emerged a second 'supercar' was being created in the county.

The launch of Fenix Automotive's new 200mph sports car comes after production of the £200,000 Noble M600 began in Braunstone.

Fenix, near Hinckley, has been set up by Noble founder Lee Noble, who left the company in 2008.

Bosses said the car, which should hit the streets next year, has been designed and developed in Leicestershire, although it will be manufactured in South Africa.

Mr Noble, a former racing driver, said: "We'll be testing the first prototype on the mountain roads around Port Elizabeth, South Africa. But I'm itching to get the car back to the UK."

The Fenix, which will cost between £75,000 and £99,000, will accelerate from 0-100mph in under seven seconds and have a top speed of 200mph.

Buyers will have a choice of a 480bhp or a 638bhp engine. Initially, Fenix will produce around 60 or 70 cars a year, but could increase this to up to 500 annually.

The Noble M600, which has been praised by BBC Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson, has a top speed of 225mph and will do 0-62mph in three seconds. The company plans to make up to 50 cars a year.

Tim Pollard, associate editor of Car Magazine, said: "There's an awful lot of interest in the Fenix and Lee Noble has a big following among sportscar enthusiasts."

The county is also home to supercar firm Ultima and the world-famous Triumph Motorcycles, who are both based in Hinckley.

Norton Motorcycles set up a factory in Castle Donington in 2008 after relocating from the States.

David Hughes, chief executive of Prospect Leicestershire, the agency charged with helping to attract businesses to the county, said: "Leicestershire has become a hotbed for high performance automotive design, development and manufacturing, which is fantastic for the county."