German supercar maker Gumpert are at it again with a new flagship for 2019 – the Apollo Intensa Emozione (Apollo IE), which translates to ‘Intense Emotion’.
The Apollo IE is a superleggera that combines the aerodynamic efficiency and mechanical grip of a modern GT1/GT3/LMP race car with the classical thrill of a high-revving naturally aspirated V12.
The body of the IE narrates the language of the movement of airflow. The idea of the IE is to pierce through and manipulate the air around and also through the vehicle. The convergence of the body panels illustrates radical depth of surfaces and stunning continuity of the body lines. A narrow teardrop shaped glass house allows the IE to achieve its stunning, bold and balanced proportions.
Structural supports such as the rear spine and wing mounts are designed in order to achieve and sustain over 1350 kgs of downforce.
Every part of the Apollo IE is designed for highly functional purposes with a radical approach on style. Prominent elements such as the striking shark like nose, distinctive side aero fins, large angled wing mounts and the trident exhausts, make it instantly recognizable as an Apollo.
A bespoke all-carbon fibre chassis allows for maximum torsional rigidity, safety and the ability to create a lightweight and aerodynamically efficient shape.
The chassis consists of not only a carbon monocoque, but also incorporates carbon fibre front and rear subframes. This has allowed us to create more organic surfaces and a tighter packaging, which in return has a positive correlation to its robust aerodynamic efficiency.
The entire chassis, including the monocoque, front and rear subframes has a total weight of a mere 105kg.
Safety remains the utmost importance so the Apollo IE features bespoke carbon fiber front crash structures, which up until today, have usually been reserved for only the pinnacle of motorsports such as Formula One.
A partner of Apollo, Brembo has always delivered outstanding performance and remains at the top of its segment. The IE uses a new Brembro carbon ceramic (CCM) system with 380×34 mm and a 6-piston caliper in the front and 380×34 mm, 4-piston caliper at the rear.
The IE features Formula One inspired double wishbone with full push-rod and rocker arm architecture on both the front and rear, along with adjustable anti-roll bars. The dampers are provided by Bilstein and are adjustable by the driver in three modes (Comfort, Sport, Auto).
No turbos. No hybrid systems. A proper balance of old and new. The Apollo IE is powered by a naturally aspirated 6.3 liter V12 engine. This unit produces in excess of 780hp and 760Nm of torque. The power unit was developed in partnership with partner, Autotecnica Motori, and revs to 9,000rpm.
The IE features three engine Map-modes selected by the driver: Wet, Sport, Track – The selection is indicated on “Engine Map page” on main Display.
The decision to refrain from using any emotionally dilutive technological systems, such as hybridization, was made to deliver a modern, yet nostalgically, pure, unadulterated sensory experience.
The power and torque of the Apollo IE is transmitted through a longitudinal Hewland sequential 6-speed+Rev gearbox with fully interchangeable gear ratios. The gearbox is operated via electro-pneumatic paddle shifters that move with the steering wheel so the next gear is always within the driver’s reach.
Utilizing this solution allows for a strong, race-proven gearbox that provides significant weight savings over a dual-clutch unit and yet lightening fast gear changes.
The powertrain is connected to the wheels by two superalloy lightweight semi-axles, designed by the Austrian specialist Pankl Racing Systems AG.
One of the key distinctive features of the Apollo IE is its aerodynamic efficiency which allows it to achieve world-class performances and extreme levels of downforce that far surpasses other cars in its category.
At 300km/h the IE produces over 1,350kg of net downforce. The downforce is properly balanced with 44.5% on the front and 55.5% on the rear.
The IE has an aerodynamic efficiency in excess of 3, which places it closer to that of an LMP2 race car than a proper GT road car.
To maintain exclusivity, Gumpert will only build one sole batch of 10 units of the Apollo IE, each to the highest degree of customization requested by its owner.
Those who order the Apollo IE will be granted exclusive access to the Time Attack program, that will be run by Apollo on the most relevant European racing circuits, and will also gain priority rights to order the future sibling of the Apollo IE, the Arrow, which is scheduled to see the light in 2019.
We also offer a unique opportunity for our clients to partake in the fine tuning development process of the IE and the development of the future Apollo cars from the beginning. IE owners will be invited to accompany Team Apollo to private testing sessions. This bespoke and personal experience allows IE owners to see what goes on behind the scenes during the development process of a new car and have the opportunity for their input play a role. A privilege only a select few in the world can claim.
