Zenvo, the Danish hypercar brand best known for its wacky tilting wings, has just pulled the wraps off its third-ever new model. At Monterey on Wednesday, Zenvo revealed the Aurora, an 1850-hp hybrid hypercar with an all-new, quad-turbo V-12. It's quite different than the Zenvo models that came before it.
The Aurora will be offered in two guises: Agil and Tur. That's Danish for "agile" and "touring," respectively. As you might expect, the Agil model is the more road-focused model, which pairs its V-12 with a hybridized front axle for a total output of 1850 horsepower. The Tur model is far more stripped back, with only the rear wheels powered, and bodywork that exposes neat race-car style aerodynamics and inboard suspension.
That engine was developed by Mahle Powertrain, a U.K. arm of the automotive supply giant. Displacement is 6.6 liters and its four turbos are arranged in a hot-vee layout, wherein the turbochargers reside within the valley of the "vee" created by the cylinder banks. On its own, it revs to 9800 rpm and produces 1250 horsepower, but in both the Agil and Tur models, it's paired with a 200-horsepower electric motor that sits between the engine and gearbox. The E-motor also acts as an engine starter and replaces the reverse gear. Total output is 1450 hp and 1032 lb-ft, which is sent to the road with a seven-speed sequential gearbox and an electronic locking differential. Zenvo says the Agil model should run from 0-62 mph in 2.5 seconds and on to a 227-mph top speed.
The Tur adds two front-mounted motors to the party for an additional 400 horsepower, bringing system output to 1850 hp and 1254 lb-ft of torque. Of course, the Tur model is heavier, with Zenvo quoting a dry weight (i.e. without fluids necessary for driving) of under 3200 pounds compared with the Agil's sub-2866 pounds. Still, the extra traction from the front axle cuts the claimed 0-62 mph time down to 2.3 seconds, and top speed rises to a crazy 280 mph.
Zenvo uses the same carbon-fiber monocoque chassis for both Agil and Tur, and both use the same basic push-rod double-wishbone suspension all around. The company also ditched the tilting wing—which was of very questionable use in the first place—though the rear wing in the Agil model can change its angle of attack to function as an airbrake. Both cars use 20-inch front and 21-inch rear center-lock magnesium wheels, and both come standard with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. The Agil gets optional Cup 2 Rs, for extra grip on track.
The Danish company plans to build 50 examples of each model. Both start at €2,590,000, or around $2.8 million at the time of writing. It appears to represent a remarkable step forward for the brand, a far more mature product than the ST1 and TS1 it got started with. And while the Aurora might not have the party-piece tilting wing, it seems to offer a lot more substance. Plus a huge, powerful V-12.
A car enthusiast since childhood, Chris Perkins is Road & Track's engineering nerd and Porsche apologist. He joined the staff in 2016 and no one has figured out a way to fire him since. He street-parks a Porsche Boxster in Brooklyn, New York, much to the horror of everyone who sees the car, not least the author himself. He also insists he's not a convertible person, despite owning three.
