Electric Cars

Apollo, a name once synonymous with groundbreaking hypercars, has re-emerged from relative obscurity, making a definitive statement at the recent Goodwood Festival of Speed. The company proudly showcased the first of its ten production-bound Apollo Evo models, signaling a strategic revitalization. This highly anticipated event marks a new chapter for Apollo, emphasizing a renewed commitment to its heritage of innovative German engineering.

For many years, the automotive world witnessed Apollo's retreat from the public eye following the initial fanfare surrounding its Intensa Emozione (IE). Despite the IE being a fine addition to hypercar history, the brand seemingly vanished, undergoing internal transformations and shifts in ownership. These behind-the-scenes developments, though unseen by the public, were crucial in redefining the company's objectives and paving the way for its current resurgence. The recent Goodwood event, therefore, wasn't just a car reveal; it was a declaration of intent, affirming Apollo's serious dedication to delivering exceptional vehicles.

During the Goodwood Festival, Marko Konta, Chief Product Officer (CPO) of Apollo Automobil, shed light on the company's future direction and the philosophy behind the Evo. He highlighted the importance of being accessible to a broader audience, even though only a select few would ever own an Apollo hypercar. Konta emphasized that the brand aims to engage all enthusiasts, allowing them to experience the sheer presence and engineering prowess of their vehicles firsthand, underscoring a commitment to the automotive community beyond just sales figures. The company's display at Goodwood, featuring an open booth where attendees could freely admire the Evo, exemplifies this inclusive approach.

The Apollo Evo stands as a testament to the brand's pursuit of excellence and meticulous craftsmanship. The first production unit showcased at Goodwood featured a striking "dragon skin" 3D-printed titanium exhaust, designed to evolve in color with aggressive heat cycles, adding a unique, personalized touch. Furthermore, its incredible paintwork, a result of over 1,000 hours of dedication, included diamond dust accents, elevating the car's aesthetic appeal to an unparalleled level. Konta revealed that the Evo is not merely an updated IE, but a substantially re-engineered vehicle, with 70 to 80 percent new components. The chassis, suspension geometries, and structural elements have all been meticulously revised to meet the latest safety standards, including LMDH regulations, far exceeding the FIA standards met by its predecessor nearly a decade ago.

With all ten Apollo Evos already sold out, the company is poised for sustained growth, albeit with a focus on bespoke, limited production. Konta reiterated that Apollo's strength lies in its agility and ability to cater to individual customer desires, a distinct advantage over larger original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Looking ahead, Apollo envisions introducing models homologated for legal road use, drawing on its rich racing pedigree and history of producing some of the world's fastest cars. This strategic move aims to bring Apollo's "rebellious German engineering" back to everyday roads, offering a blend of high performance and practicality to a wider, albeit still exclusive, clientele. Konta remained discreet about specific future products but expressed confidence in the company's path forward, driven by a deep passion for automotive innovation and a commitment to delivering an unparalleled driving sensation.

The automotive landscape welcomes Audi's latest full-size flagship SUVs for the 2027 model year, comprising the opulent Q9 and its more dynamic counterpart, the SQ9. While the Q9 provides a refined and upscale experience, the SQ9 elevates the driving thrill with enhanced sporting capabilities and performance. This new iteration signifies Audi's commitment to combining luxury with power, offering discerning buyers a choice between supreme comfort and exhilarating dynamism.

A notable distinction in the SQ9's design is its aggressive hexagonal grille, which sets it apart from the Q9's vertical grille. This design choice underscores the SQ9's sporty character. Both models, however, are equipped with sophisticated matrix LED headlights, engineered to automatically adjust and dim individual LEDs to prevent glare for oncoming traffic, thereby enhancing safety. Complementing the front lighting, the SQ9 also features sleek OLED taillights with a curved profile, capable of displaying various light patterns that contribute to its modern aesthetic.

Under the hood, the 2027 Audi SQ9 boasts a formidable twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine, generating an impressive 591 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. This robust powertrain allows the SQ9 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.8 seconds, demonstrating its exceptional performance. Set to launch later this year, the SQ9 will be offered in a single, well-appointed trim level, with a starting price of $119,395, positioning it as a premium option in the full-size luxury SUV segment.

The introduction of the 2027 Audi SQ9 exemplifies continuous innovation in automotive engineering, offering a blend of high performance, advanced technology, and luxurious design. This vehicle represents a forward-thinking approach to driving, encouraging the pursuit of excellence and a passion for sophisticated machinery that elevates the human experience on the road.