If you're currently trying to beat Pagani or Koenigsegg in terms of exoticness, it might be a good idea to head over to Denmark and show yourself a Zenvo good time – watch the Aurora, catch a Tur while it's Agil, things like that!
OK, puns aside, Zenvo Automotive A/S is a Danish supercar manufacturer headquartered in Præstø on the Danish Island of Zealand. Co-founded by Jesper Jensen and Troels Vollertsen in 2007, the company focused on extreme high-performance vehicles even after it was sold during the summer of 2018 to some Czech investors who were based in Prague.
Over the years, just two models – the original ST1 and the limited-production TS1 follow-up sports car were produced, with the latter bearing a few derivatives (TS1 GT, TSR, TSR-S, TSR-GT). If you're having a hard time following their names, no worries. As promised back in Marche when they first announced their third model series, Zenvo Automotive is opening a second chapter in its business life with the "lightest and most powerful model ever produced" by the company – the all-new Aurora.
Unlike the ST1 and TS1, which got their mojo derived from General Motors-produced V8 engines that were twin supercharged by the company, Aurora was designed in-house by Chief Designer Christian Brandt and now steps into hypercar territory on the eve of its reveal during the Monterey Car Week with a MAHLE Powertrain-developed 6.6-litre quad-turbocharged V12 engine.
But wait, that's not all, because the V12 combines with a light and feisty electric motor to deliver a combined 1,850 horsepower in the highest setting (1,250 hp from V12, another 3 x 200 hp from up to three electric motors). This is a very traditional layout, by the way, complete with mid-engine V12 placement, two- or four-wheel drive options, and a potential EV-only range of up to 35 km (22 miles). And with it, "Aurora brings Danish design and ingenuity to the hypercar market for the first time," complete with two variants – Agil and Tur – launched simultaneously.
The translation, of course, means the models are 'agile' or 'touring-oriented.' For example, the best Aurora specifications tout a zero to 62 mph (100 kph) sprint time of just 2.3 seconds, a top speed of 280 mph (450 kph), and with the aggressive, striped-out Aurora Agil model packing RWD and a weight of just 1,300 kg (2,866 lbs.). That's quite impressive for a V12-powered model rocking a hybrid assembly, right?
Meanwhile, the 'classic' Aurora Tur provides "increased levels of luxury." However, do not think, even for a second, this one is a slouch – another couple of electric motors added to the front axle "enhance high-speed stability and grip levels," each providing an extra 200 hp and combining to form a permanent four-wheel-drive setup.
The first appearance of the Zenvo ZM1 modular carbon monocoque system will soon evolve into a second generation of models that will be hand-assembled in Denmark – so the company is basically promising that more Aurora variants are coming down the line. Until then, production of the two Aurora models – Agil and Tur – will kick off in 2025 or 2026, and the entire series is limited to 100 units evenly spread among the two versions.
By the way, the company also revealed that Aurora's lightweight chassis was inspired by Formula One technology – "channeling the airflow through the structure to aid downforce and stability." At the same time, the unique suspension system includes pushrod front and rear double wishbone elements with active springs for "instant adjustment to ride stiffness and support."
Aurel has aimed high all his life (literally, at 16 he was flying gliders all by himself) so in 2006 he switched careers and got hired as a writer at his favorite magazine. Since then, his work has been published both by print and online outlets, most recently right here, on autoevolution. Full profile
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