The Capricorn 01 Zagato is a new, ultra-exclusive hypercar blending German engineering, Italian design flair, and American V8 muscle. Unveiled at Salon Rétromobile in France, this prototype follows an initial public showing in Belgium. The car is not merely a concept but a fully drivable machine – and only a handful remain available for the staggering price of €2.95 million ($3.5M).
A Fusion of Automotive Excellence
The Capricorn 01 isn’t built around a single national identity, but instead combines the best of three worlds. The car’s engineering originates in Germany, with the chassis and performance tuning handled by Capricorn. The bodywork and distinctive aesthetic are the work of Italian design house Zagato, famed for its elegant “double bubble” roof and almond-shaped headlights. At the heart of this machine is a heavily modified American V8 engine.
Performance and Power
The mid-mounted, supercharged 5.2-liter V8 – originally sourced from Ford – has been extensively tuned to deliver over 888 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. This raw power is channeled to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox, making for a visceral, analog driving experience. Capricorn claims a 0-62 mph sprint in under 3 seconds, with a top speed of 224 mph. The car’s dry weight under 2,646 lbs further enhances its aggressive performance.
Inside the Cockpit
The interior is equally striking, eschewing modern digital interfaces for a classic analog layout. The cabin features proper dials, a gated manual shifter, and a round steering wheel. Blue suede upholstery and exposed carbon fiber elements create a premium, driver-focused environment.
Proven Engineering
Capricorn may be new to production cars, but its expertise is well-established. The company’s lightweight components have been tested and used by major motorsport teams, including Porsche (LMP1), Peugeot Sport (Le Mans and Dakar), Mercedes, Lotus, Caterham (Formula 1), and Volkswagen (WRC). This track record suggests Capricorn’s ambitions are serious.
Limited Availability
With only 19 units planned, the Capricorn 01 Zagato is a rare opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts. The car competes directly with established hypercar brands like Ferrari, McLaren, Bugatti, Koenigsegg, and Pagani. First deliveries are scheduled for later this year, but interested buyers must act quickly if they want to secure one of the remaining vehicles.
