Earlier this week, we jokingly said that new hypercars are launched at a rate of one a week. (Original article here.) Well, make that two a week as another new player has entered the market. Say hello to the Capricorn 01 Zagato. This is the end result of a joint effort between leading motorsport outfit Capricorn and famed styling house Zagato. Just 19 units of the 01 will be built, a nod to Zagato’s founding year, 19 April 1919.
The Capricorn 01 Zagato represents the culmination of everything we have learnt from decades of pioneering ultra-lightweight materials, technologies and construction techniques. This car is a showcase of Capricorn’s comprehensive capabilities. The project elevates Capricorn to the next level, positioning the group as a manufacturer that can produce a pre-series car or assemble an entire series for an OEM, or indeed any customer. It proves that Capricorn is capable of managing complex projects to OEM standards, and it also establishes Capricorn as a high-end automotive manufacturer in its own right
– Robertino Wild, Capricorn CEO
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Motorsport Heavyweight
Capricorn is a European firm that has over 500 employees in four countries. The company has been been around since 1933 and specialises in lightweight materials in the
automotive, medical and aerospace industries. In recent times it has focused on composites, forging, machining, casting, and additive manufacturing. It counts among its many clients Lotus and Caterham in Formula 1. In addition there is Peugeot Sport in Le Mans, and significant involvement in Porsche’s LMP1 program. Off-track success have been achieved with Volkswagen Motorsport in the WRC and with Peugeot Sport on the Dakar Rally.
Click here to read about the Garagisti GP1, another recently launched hypercar in a similar mould.
Zagato may be known for its many collaborations with leading OEMs, but this is the first product to carry its name. “Over the past century, we have had the honor of partnering with many iconic car brands such as Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Lancia, Maserati, Porsche, and more than forty others to design highly exclusive and elegant collectible limited-edition vehicles,” explains Zagato President, Andrea Michele Zagato. “Until now, though, Zagato has never designed a hypercar. I am delighted that the first hypercar ever to feature a Zagato-designed body has been created in partnership with my dear friend Robertino Wild.”
Timeless Design
The car was penned by Norihiko Harada who is chief designer at Zagato. He was led by the principle that the car should have arresting good looks and stand the test of time. In addition his efforts were combined with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to ensure efficiency and downforce. As a result the Capricorn 01 Zagato doesn’t rely on large wings to generate downforce. Instead it generates significant and consistent levels of downforce passively through internal airflow management and the design of the underfloor, including the front and rear diffusers.
Powertrain and Dynamics
But, we hear you ask, what is under the engine cover. Capricorn has opted for a V8 engine that displaces 5,2 litres. If we had to guess we’d say it comes from Ford’s performance division. A supercharger ramps power up to 662 kW (or 900 hp in old money) with an even 1 000 N.m of torque. A five-speed (not a typo) manual transmission sends power to the rear axle. We’d think that fitting a manual transmission will let drivers delight in more gearshifts. But five ratios, with a dog-leg first, means that they will be widely spaced with fewer shifts. The CEO has his views…
“This choice provides a more emotional, immersive, mechanical shifting experience that allows the driver to really feel and fully experience the rev changes, and the muscular nature of the engine working through its broad powerband. It is a decision that deliberately prioritizes driver engagement and passion over the need for more gears,” affirms Wild.
Motorsport Derived
As expected, the 01 is based on a carbon-fibre monocoque with the same lightweight material used for the body. As a result it tips the scales at a scant 1 200 kg, or less than your typical hot hatch. Capricorn says that the 01 can sprint from rest to 100 km/h in 2,9 seconds and that it has a top speed of 360 km/h (which makes us wonder about the five ratios even more – oh well). Capricorn is using inboard suspension with pushrod, much like a proper racecar. Other motorsport derived tech includes full carbon-ceramic brake system from Brembo. The 21-inch rims are also a mix of carbon and lightweight alloys.
“This project is not a one-off; it is the beginning of a new lineage of capricorn-branded high-end cars,” confirms Wild. “And in addition, we are also open to taking on limitedseries contracts for other OEMs and building fully bespoke hypercars for private clients.”
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