New Zenvo Aurora unveiled: 450kmph V12 hybrid signals Danish firm’s next chapter
The new, 1850bhp Zenvo Aurora is definitive proof that in terms of sheer firepower, there’s life in the internal combustion engine yet. Built from the ground up as an entirely bespoke V12-engined hybrid hypercar, the Aurora is Zenvo’s first all-new model since the ST1 arrived in 2008; with carbonfibre construction, radical aero and a dry weight of 1300kg in its lightest form, it could also be one of the most capable road cars ever devised.
Available in two guises, the Aurora is designed to cover both ends of the hypercar spectrum with a GT-orientated Tur model and a track-ready Agil specification. Each is built around Zenvo’s new ZM1 modular carbonfibre chassis with unique suspension, powertrain and aero hardware to suit their respective briefs.
A 6.6-litre quad-turbocharged V12 engine sits at the heart of both models, mounted behind the passenger cell with a ‘hot-vee’ turbo configuration. Revving to 9800rpm, the motor generates 1250bhp and draws from a hybrid system to add power and fill any torque gaps in its delivery. The Aurora Agil uses a 200bhp electric motor nestled within the gearbox for a combined output of 1450bhp, with the Tur adding a motor at each front wheel to enable four-wheel drive, torque vectoring and a power hike to 1850bhp.
Both the Tur and Agil use a single-shaft seven-speed paddleshift gearbox, albeit with unique ratios and mapping for road and track use respectively. For the Agil, Zenvo is targeting a 0-100kmph time of 2.5sec, with the Tur completing the sprint in just 2.3sec. Even more impressive is the Tur’s 0-300kmph time: a scarcely believable 9sec. With its extra power and low-drag aero profile, the Tur is projected to hit 450kmph flat out, with the Agile maxing out at 365kmph.
The Aurora’s skeletal bodywork barely hides the carbon structure beneath, with aero tunnels channelling flow around the chassis to generate downforce and minimise drag. The front and rear carbon subframes and double-wishbone pushrod suspension are visible through these air pathways, with the Agil gaining a larger front splitter and an enormous rear wing in place of the Tur’s active rear ducts. According to Zenvo, the Agil generates 880kg of downforce at 250kmph and trims 150kg from the Tur’s 1450kg dry weight.
Given the extra aero load and lighter kerb weight of the Agil, it’ll adopt a different calibration for its active suspension than the road-biased Tur, while offering the option of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tyres in place of the standard Cup 2s. The opposing characters of the two models are evident inside, too, with the Agil offering a stripped-out cabin with exposed carbon elements and the Tur opting for a more luxurious approach with extra sound deadening.
Just 100 Auroras will be built in total, with production split down the middle between the two variants. Pricing has yet to be announced, but given its rarity and mechanical specification, it’s likely that the Aurora will break into nine figures.
