When it comes to supercars, names like Bugatti, Ferrari, or Porsche are the first to come to mind. Korean cars are not exactly high on the list of fastest cars in the world, but once in a while, a unicorn supercar reveals its metaphorical horn and changes people's minds a little bit about Korean manufacturers and supercars.
This is the case with this one-of-a-kind supercar that was recently spotted in South Korea and caused many eyebrows to raise in surprise and curiosity. That's because people didn't recognize the brand or the model and were left wondering what it was.
This rare unicorn is the Epique GT1 supercar and was made by a little-known South Korean car manufacturer called De Macross. If you have never heard of it, don't worry. You are not alone. No less than 13 years have passed since this car was first announced, and since no details about it surfaced for a few years, many thought back then it was just a chimera. However, it resurfaced in 2012 when Jay Leno took it out for a drive for an episode of his show.
Now, the odd but certainly intriguing piece of machinery has been spotted in the flesh by photographer Gold Jongsun, who posted photos and a video of it on Instagram. Browse the picture gallery above to see its spectacular appearance with the prominent rear wing, gullwing doors, and see-through engine cover.
The Epique GT1 supercar is the brainchild of a Korean oil magnate and avid car enthusiast by the name of Jahong Keyser Hur. It was developed in Canada in collaboration with different outsourced component and systems manufacturers and takes design cues from some recognized manufacturers like Ford and Porsche. Actually, the car was intended to pay homage to the old-school look of European Le Mans race cars of the 1960s and 70s.
Based on a purpose-built aluminum and carbon fiber hybrid chassis, this unique car boasts a hand-made full aluminum body with F1-derived active suspension technology and a mighty mid-rear-mounted supercharged Ford 5.4 liter V8 engine capable of churning out 845 horsepower and 740 of lb-ft torque. It sends power to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission.
The power-to-weight ratio is quite impressive as well, considering the machine only weighs 3,200 pounds (1,450 kg). When it presented the prototype, the company claimed the car was able to complete the 0 to 62 mph (100 km) sprint in 3.1 seconds and reach a top speed of more than 230 mph (370 kph).
De Macross's initial plan was to produce 200 units of this spectacular car, but by 2012, the figure was revised to 20-30. Eventually, due to strong competition and high costs, the company ended up producing only one prototype of the Epique GT1 supercar, which makes it truly one of a kind.
In the comments section of Gold Jongsun's Instagram post, some people even assumed it was a fake car, and they aren't to blame actually, considering the name of the brand is basically unknown, many design elements reminisce of European race cars, and the badge looks like a clone of an old De Tomaso logo.
Below, you can watch the 2012 episode of Jay Leno's Garage in which the legendary comedian presents the unique vehcile.
After spending a few years as a copy editor, Ancuta decided to put down the eraser and pick up the writer's pencil. Her favorites subjects are unusual car designs, travel trailers and everything related to the great outdoors. Full profile
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