Zenvo, the Danish hypercar maker, has hinted at the possibility of building a “junior hypercar” based on the new ZM1 monocoque used by its newly revealed V12 Aurora. The brand’s chief commercial officer, Jens Sverdrup, stated that the platform is “fully” modular, suggesting that components used on the 1850bhp Aurora could be swapped for less exotic materials to reduce costs.
The interchangeable components could include the Aurora’s carbon fiber subframes, allowing for greater flexibility in design and production. Sverdrup mentioned the potential for building an off-road vehicle like a hyper-SUV, although he expressed doubts about it becoming a reality.
One of the key features of the Aurora is its mammoth 6.6-liter quad-turbocharged V12 engine, which has been designed to be as configurable as possible. Sverdrup revealed that there is already interest from customers for V6 and V8 engines derived from this car. This opens up the possibility of downsizing the engine into V6 and V8 formats, with displacements of 3.3 liters and 4.4 liters respectively.
However, whether or not Zenvo will proceed with the development of a new model will depend on customer demand. Sverdrup emphasized that the decision will be driven by market interest.
Zenvo’s Præstø facility currently has the capacity to produce 25 Auroras annually, which would complete the hypercar’s 100-unit run in four years. However, some adjustments would be needed to increase production further. Sverdrup identified the lack of paint booths as a bottleneck in the production process, noting that it takes 1000 man hours to paint a single car.
To address these limitations, Zenvo plans to build a new plant with greater capacity in the future. However, this project is expected to take a few years before it can begin.
The idea of a “junior hypercar” based on the Aurora platform is an exciting prospect for Zenvo. It would allow the brand to expand its product range and cater to a wider market. By utilizing the modular nature of the ZM1 monocoque, Zenvo can create a more affordable hypercar without compromising on performance or quality.
The downsizing of the V12 engine into V6 and V8 formats also presents an opportunity for Zenvo to offer different power options to customers. This flexibility in engine choice would appeal to a broader range of buyers, who may prefer a smaller engine with lower running costs but still want the thrill of driving a high-performance hypercar.
While the development of a new model is not confirmed at this stage, Zenvo’s willingness to explore different possibilities demonstrates its commitment to innovation and meeting customer demands. As the hypercar market continues to evolve, it is crucial for brands like Zenvo to adapt and offer products that resonate with their target audience.
In conclusion, Zenvo’s potential plans for a “junior hypercar” based on the Aurora platform show the brand’s ambition to expand its product range and cater to a wider market. The modular nature of the ZM1 monocoque and the configurable V12 engine offer exciting possibilities for creating a more affordable hypercar without compromising on performance. While the development of a new model will ultimately depend on customer demand, Zenvo’s commitment to innovation and meeting market needs is evident.