Capricorn 01 Zagato: Manual Hypercar Nears Production
Capricorn Group, renowned in the racing world for supplying components to Formula 1 and other elite series, is on the verge of launching its inaugural hypercar. The company recently showcased its second prototype for the 01 Zagato, a vehicle emphasizing a pure driving experience, and has confirmed that the first customer deliveries are expected to begin within the current year. This limited-edition model, with only 19 units planned for production, stands out in an era dominated by automated transmissions, offering enthusiasts a rare opportunity to own a high-performance machine with a manual gearbox. The car's development has involved extensive calibration and refinement since its official launch, aiming to perfect the interaction between its advanced design, sophisticated engineering, and the driver.
The Capricorn 01 Zagato represents a significant development in the hypercar market, combining high-performance engineering with a driver-centric philosophy. Its limited production run and unique manual transmission appeal to a niche market of collectors and driving purists. The vehicle's impressive specifications, including a powerful supercharged V8 engine and rapid acceleration, position it as a formidable contender in the exclusive hypercar segment. With the second prototype now revealed and a third in progress, Capricorn Group is meticulously preparing for the commencement of deliveries, ensuring that each of the 19 units meets the highest standards of performance and exclusivity.
The Analog Heart of the Capricorn 01 Zagato
In an automotive landscape increasingly dominated by digital interfaces and automatic systems, the Capricorn 01 Zagato distinguishes itself with a steadfast commitment to an analog driving experience. This hypercar proudly features a five-speed dogleg manual transmission, a design choice that is a rarity among its contemporary rivals. This deliberate decision by Capricorn Group aims to forge a deeper, more engaging connection between the driver and the machine, offering a level of tactile control and involvement that modern, paddle-shifted alternatives often lack. The interior further underscores this philosophy, intentionally simplifying the controls to just a handful of essential buttons and switches, thereby stripping away distractions and focusing on the pure essence of driving.
The core of the 01 Zagato's appeal lies in its dedication to mechanical purity and driver engagement. This manual gearbox is coupled with a formidable supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine, generating an astounding 888 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque. This powerful drivetrain, delivering power exclusively to the rear wheels, promises exhilarating performance, with Capricorn projecting a 0 to 62 mph acceleration in under three seconds and a top speed reaching 224 mph. Such figures not only place it firmly in hypercar territory but also highlight the harmonious blend of raw power and nuanced control offered by its manual setup, providing an unparalleled and visceral driving sensation that car enthusiasts deeply cherish.
Anticipation Builds for Exclusive Deliveries
The Capricorn 01 Zagato is steadily moving towards its production phase, with the second prototype having made its debut at Salon Rétromobile in Paris, signaling a significant milestone in its development journey. This unveiling marks a crucial step in a rigorous calibration process, where every aspect of the vehicle's design and engineering is meticulously refined under real-world conditions. Robertino Wild, Capricorn's CEO, underscored the importance of this iterative prototyping, stating that each model allows for a deeper validation of the intricate relationship between the car's aesthetics, its mechanical prowess, and the driver's experience, all before mass production commences later in the year.
With only 19 units of the 01 Zagato destined for production, this hypercar is set to be an exceptionally exclusive offering. Each vehicle carries a price tag of €2.95 million (approximately $3.5 million USD), reflecting its bespoke nature and high-performance capabilities. The sales will be managed through the esteemed Louyet Group luxury automotive retailer, and with a "minimal number of build slots" still available, prospective owners are encouraged to act swiftly. This limited availability, combined with the car's unique features like its carbon-fiber monocoque chassis and driver-focused interior with minimal electronic interference, makes the 01 Zagato a highly coveted item for collectors and driving enthusiasts seeking an unparalleled, analog hypercar experience.