Zenvo Automotive is showcasing its new Aurora model variants at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed, marking the European public debut for the track-focused Agil and more-comfort-oriented Tur (Danish for “Touring”). The company’s lightest and most powerful road car is said to be the start of a new era for the Danish hypercar brand.

Named after the Aurora Borealis, the two-seat center-engine-layout hypercar is built on Zenvo’s new ZM1 modular monocoque design developed with carbon structural experts Managing Composites. It features an “aerodynamically led” body and chassis design, managing and channeling airflow cleanly over, under, and through the structure. Beneath the carbon composite body panels, both cars feature a 6.6-L quad-turbo V12 hybrid powerplant developed by Mahle Powertrain.

The producer of limited-edition hypercars based in Præstø, Denmark was founded in 2007 to combine the latest technologies and innovation with an “analog feel.” The company began with the TS1 prototype and then developed the TS1 GT grand tourer, TSR track model, TSR-S, and the sold-out TSR-GT. Also at Goodwood, the first example of the limited-edition TSR-GT makes its dynamic debut in the daily Supercar Run on the Hill Climb.

“We just wanted to build an uncompromised drivers’ car, which delivered on every level, but without any one aspect negatively impacting another,” explained Jens Sverdrup, Zenvo’s Chairman of the Board & Chief Commercial Officer. “It was approached in a very Danish way, meaning every part is carefully considered, and we wanted to introduce this style and design philosophy to the hypercar segment. The outcome has given us two models, which complement each other, deliver true driving pleasure, and, almost as a by-product, offer incredible performance.”

Danish design is recognized for its stylish simplicity and clean lines—the philosophy of “form follows function” made famous by designers such as Arne Jacobson.

“The chassis and the components of Aurora are all works of art, and we made a very definite decision that we did not want to hide these details away under a monolithic design,” said Christian Brandt, Zenvo’s Chief Designer. “It is like a complex timepiece or the skeletal architecture of a motorcycle, where the inner workings are the fascinating part, and we wanted to showcase as much of the chassis, the engine, and the suspension as we could.”

 

Structure by Managing Composites

The Aurora’s ZM1 modular platform system integrates the main central monocoque and front and rear subframes into a single composite component. This structure offers torsional rigidity of 63,000 N·m/deg and weighs less than 120 kg (265 lb). Formula 1 levels of structural safety and composite crash structures are said to provide improved energy absorption and crash protection.

“To achieve our targets, we had to challenge the status quo of the hypercar industry, and look at ways of moving the needle,” explained Alejandro Batan, Chief Programmes Officer, Managing Composites. “The Aurora project started with a blank sheet of paper and a clear focus on what we wanted to achieve. This had its own challenges, as we didn’t have a base product to build on, but it was also a fantastic opportunity as it meant we could design and create the absolute best product, using the latest technologies and systems, with no carried-over compromises or limitations.”

Around 70% of the carbon monocoque including the integrated front and rear subframes is left uncovered rather than being hidden below bodywork. Also exposed are the highly engineered suspension components of the pushrod front and rear double wishbones with active dual springs.

The brakes are Zenvo carbon ceramic discs, wheels are bespoke Zenvo magnesium center-lock, with front 9.5 x 20 in and rear 12.5 x 21 in. The tires are Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 (or Cup 2R for Agil), with front 265-35-20 and rear 325/30-21.

“With so much of the monocoque visible, it has meant a real drive to achieve perfection in terms of the quality of the work, so every surface is tactile and perfectly finished,” explained Lluc Marti, CEO of Managing Composites. “As with riding a motorcycle, the driver will feel a genuine part of Aurora, both through the ergonomics of the design, but also how connected they feel through the controls. The connection with the road through the chassis, steering feel, and the visceral experience with the engine mounted behind the cabin. The seats are also integrated into the main monocoque, which will provide a huge sense of connection.”

The Zenvo and Managing Composites partnership goes beyond just the monocoque.

With extensive expertise in crash and structural simulation, Managing Composites is helping to ensure that the Aurora surpasses the highest safety standards. By incorporating composite crash structures inspired by Formula 1 technology, Aurora will provide enhanced energy absorption and occupant protection during impact scenarios.

In addition to their contributions to the core platform, Managing Composites is playing a pivotal role in the design and development of body panels and trims. Leveraging the experience and “design for manufacturing” mindset, the Madrid-based team is creating lightweight and aerodynamically efficient components that not only enhance overall performance but also deliver a sense of automotive artistry and craftsmanship.

 

Agil vs. Tur

With a focus on weight-saving, the standard-specification rear-wheel-drive Agil comes in at less than 1300 kg (2866 lb).

The more aggressive design with a rear wing featuring an air-brake function delivers enhanced downforce, producing 880 kg (1940 lb) of downforce at 155 mph (250 km/h), and a top speed of 227 mph (365 km/h). The cabin “is stripped of comforts and unnecessary luxuries,” with the carbon chassis exposed in several areas, while ultra-lightweight technical material is used to upholster the seats and select sections of the doors and dashboard.

The Agil is 4836 mm (190.4 in) long, 2020 mm (79.5 in) wide, and 1097 mm (43.2 in) tall, on a 2800-mm (110.2-in) wheelbase. The Tur has the same width and wheelbase but is shorter at 4819 mm (189.7 in) and taller at 1117 mm (44.0 in).

The Tur manages airflow over, under, and through the monocoque more efficiently for a lower drag coefficient than its more-track-focused sibling. The more aerodynamically efficient shape will accelerate on to a top speed of 280 mph (450 km/h). Active rear wing ducts provide enhanced stability.

Its standard four-wheel-drive system makes it easier to harness and exploit the power available but increases overall mass by 150 kg (330 lb) to around 1450 kg (3197 lb). The cabin is appointed with high specification, tactile materials, and increased levels of soundproofing, producing a more traditional luxury GT environment for the occupants.

 

Up to 1850 bhp of hybrid power

The “bespoke” V12 engine is engineered to meet legislative emissions requirements in the U.S. and European markets. Mahle Jet Ignition enables the engine to operate without the need for over-fueling for component protection across its operating range, which is a requirement for the newly announced Euro 7 legislation.

Hinting at Zenvo’s future ambitions, the engine is designed for modularity, with high-performance V8 and V6 engine derivatives that could power future Zenvo models and may even be available as crate engines for other OEMs to purchase.

“Mahle Powertrain has a history in supporting the development of many high-performance engines over the years, but the partnership between Zenvo and Mahle Powertrain will deliver a truly unique piece of engineering art, one that will use all our past experience to push the boundaries of engine technology into the future,” said John Hollingworth, Sales and Marketing Director for Mahle Powertrain.

The V12 engine in 90-degree hot-V configuration is mid-mounted behind the cockpit, generates an estimated 1250 bhp (932 kW), and revs to 9800 rpm. The seven-speed hybridized gearbox contributes an extra 200 bhp (150 kW), its e-motor arrangement acting as a “torque fill” while the turbos spool up and enable an electric reverse gear and engine start in place of a traditional start motor for weight and efficiency gains.

Different gearing and gearchange mapping will ensure that transmission characteristics for the two models will differ dramatically.

The hybrid blend is said to deliver naturally aspirated engine-style throttle response and makes it the most powerful V12 powertrain ever fitted to a road car. The estimated combined maximum system output is 1450 bhp (1081 kW) and 1400 N·m (1033 lb·ft).

“The overwhelming feedback we received from owners was that everyone loves the throttle response of naturally aspirated engines, and the instant hit of power delivered by electric, but without the heavy weight and range anxiety that comes with batteries,” Sverdrup explained. “Throttle feel and responsiveness were a major focus for the whole team, and a significant amount of work has taken place on the dynamics, and the integration between the electric motors and the engine, to make this as seamless as possible. This is also the reason why the powertrain features four smaller turbos, rather than the more conventional two. It means they can spool up quicker, and the end result is a powertrain that brings together the best parts of conventional internal combustion and hybrid technology.”

In the Agil, the base rear-wheel-drive powertrain enables estimated acceleration for 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in 2.5 s, 0-125 mph (200 km/h) in 4.6 s, and 0-186 mph (300 km/h) in 10 s.

A four-wheel-drive setup—standard on the Tur and optional on the Agil—adds an electric motor and about 200 bhp (150 kW) to each of the front wheels. Acting as an electric torque vectoring system, it all combines for a maximum estimated system output of 1850 bhp (1380 kW) and 1700 N·m (1254 lb·ft). Estimated acceleration times are 0-62 mph in 2.3 s, 0-186 mph in 9 s, and 0-248 mph (400 km/h) in 17 s.

 

Since debuting the Aurora at Monterey Car Week last summer, the company has been working to establish and build a global service and support network, with a total of 13 partner locations confirmed. Hand-building will commence in 2026 at the company’s Præstø headquarters.