The Capricorn 01 Zagato: A Fusion of Engineering Prowess and Italian Design
Experience Driving Purity: The Capricorn 01 Zagato – Where Art Meets Engineering.
Unveiling the Capricorn 01: A Collaboration of Design and Engineering Excellence
The Capricorn 01 Zagato represents a remarkable partnership between the renowned Italian design house Zagato and the sophisticated German engineering firm, Capricorn. This new hypercar stands out by combining an aggressive, sleek exterior with robust American V-8 engine power and a traditional five-speed manual gearbox, promising a truly engaging driving experience for enthusiasts.
Capricorn's Extensive Engineering Expertise
While the name Capricorn Group might not be immediately familiar to everyone, their influence in the automotive world is undeniable. This German engineering company has played a crucial role in developing critical engine components for iconic vehicles, from various Bugatti models, including the Veyron and the track-focused Bolide, to aerodynamic parts for the Audi R8. Their contributions extend to the dynamic rear wing of the latest Porsche 911 GT3 RS and vital components for numerous F1 and World Endurance Championship racing teams, showcasing a deep and diverse engineering heritage spanning decades.
The Vision Behind the Capricorn 01's Development
Driven by a desire to showcase their comprehensive engineering capabilities, Capricorn embarked on creating their own hypercar. While Zagato lent its signature design expertise to the bodywork, Capricorn assumed full responsibility for the vehicle's engineering and production. Their core philosophy for the 01 was to maximize driver engagement, evident in its rear-wheel-drive configuration and the inclusion of a manual transmission.
Powertrain and Performance: A Symphony of Power and Precision
At the heart of the Capricorn 01 lies a meticulously re-engineered supercharged V-8 engine. Starting as a 5.0-liter Ford unit, Capricorn expanded its displacement to 5.2 liters, integrated a supercharger, developed a custom ECU, and installed new crankshafts, connecting rods, and pistons. The intake, exhaust systems, and dry-sump lubrication are also entirely new. This powerhouse delivers an impressive 887 horsepower and 737 pound-feet of torque, with a redline of 9000 rpm. The inclusion of a dogleg five-speed manual transmission ensures an exhilarating and tactile shifting experience.
Advanced Chassis and Braking Systems
The Capricorn 01's structural integrity is rooted in a lightweight carbon-fiber center tub and subframes, drawing inspiration from LMP1 prototype endurance race cars. This advanced construction, coupled with a carbon-fiber body, results in an astonishing curb weight of less than 2645 pounds. This contributes to its blistering acceleration, achieving 62 mph in under 3.0 seconds, and a top speed of 223 mph. Stopping power is provided by high-performance carbon-ceramic discs and six-piston calipers from Brembo, complemented by a pushrod suspension system featuring unequal-length control arms, and anti-roll bars, springs, and dampers sourced from Bilstein.
Aesthetic Purity and a Driver-Centric Interior
The visual appeal of the Capricorn 01 is characterized by a sleek, yet understated design. It features sharp headlights, a balanced stance, and numerous functional vents and ducts. The taillights are a distinctive thin, curving LED line, and Zagato's iconic double-bubble roof is a prominent feature. A large side intake, subtly integrated into a C-shaped buttress, evokes a hint of the 2017 Ford GT. Eschewing large external wings, Capricorn optimizes downforce through the car's underbody, aided by a front splitter and rear diffuser. The gullwing doors add a touch of dramatic flair typical of hypercars.
The Analog Cockpit: A Focus on Connection
Inside, the Capricorn 01 embraces an analog philosophy, prioritizing driver connection over digital clutter. The brown leather-wrapped steering wheel is simple and elegant, while the dashboard features only three physical gauges, with a centrally mounted tachometer, and a minimalist array of buttons on the center console. A hidden screen within the middle dial displays the backup camera. The switchgear is meticulously crafted from solid titanium and aluminum, and the fixed-position leather seats, accented with Alcantara, feature four-point safety harnesses. An adjustable steering column, pedals, and a gear lever that slides 3.1 inches ensure an optimal driving position for every enthusiast.
Exclusivity and Future Aspirations
Production of the Capricorn 01 will be strictly limited to just 19 units, a symbolic nod to Zagato's founding date of April 19, 1919. Each bespoke hypercar is priced at approximately £2.5 million, roughly $3.3 million at current exchange rates. Manufacturing is slated to begin in the first half of the coming year, with deliveries planned for customers across Europe, Japan, Mexico, Canada, and the Middle East. This project is merely the inaugural step for Capricorn, as the company intends to expand its manufacturing facility near the Nürburgring to accommodate future production volumes of 100 to 200 vehicles annually, signaling ambitious plans for the future of high-performance automotive engineering.