V12-engined brute can hit 62mph in 2.7sec and a 208mph top speed; it's being co-developed by HWA, which works with Mercedes-AMG in motorsport.
13 Jun 2018 | 12984 Views | By Sam Sheehan, Autocar UK
Apollo, the company born from the ashes of Gumpert, has confirmed that it is working with motorsport engineers and designers from HWA, the specialist firm that operates Mercedes-AMG's DTM racing programme, on its Intensa Emozione hypercar.
HWA runs the most successful team in DTM's history but Apollo said that it was its role in the ...
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Apollo, the company born from the ashes of Gumpert, has confirmed that it is working with motorsport engineers and designers from HWA, the specialist firm that operates Mercedes-AMG's DTM racing programme, on its Intensa Emozione hypercar.
HWA runs the most successful team in DTM's history but Apollo said that it was its role in the development of the iconic Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR GT1 Le Mans racer, which competed in the late 1990s, that would prove pivotal in ensuring the Intensa Emozione "provides the most emotional and organic driving experience in the segment today".
The Intensa Emozione is described by Apollo as the "only modern day GT1-inspired car".
The car is built on an all-carbon structure featuring a roofless tub that weighs just 105kg and carbon bodywork. As such, the Intensa Emozione weighs only 1250kg, giving it a power-to-weight ratio of 615bhp/tonne. The 0-62mph dash takes a claimed 2.7sec, a tenth quicker than the McLaren P1, and top speed is quoted as 208mph.
The Intensa Emozione's exterior has aggressive aerodynamic features including a large, fixed rear wing, rear diffuser and vertical fin. Apollo said the car generates so much grip that it can reach 2g of lateral force when cornering and produces 1350kg of downforce at 186mph.
The Intensa Emozione appears heavily inspired by the Apollo Arrow concept at the 2016 Geneva motor show. Apollo said in 2016 that the production version of the Arrow track car would be followed by a less extreme road version, leaving the door open for the Intensa Emozione to be produced in road form.
Apollo has connections with fellow supercar maker Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus and it was previously reported that the two companies would work together in the development of future models. However, no partnership has been announced for the Intensa Emozione.