A new supercar features old-school British speed and power
British sports cars were once leaders in the performance world, inspiring the creation of vehicles like the Corvette. Over time, these brands have either been sold to other manufacturers for spares or disappeared off the map. However, there is a new brand called Ginetta that produces a new British supercar to remind the world of the UK’s heydays. The unit in question is known as the Akula, and while it is new and fresh, we have been waiting four years for this production car to be released.
It does appear to be Italian on the outside, and its side profile resembles that of the Ferrari F12. Adding extra downforce with a large wing, it adopts the traditional British mindset of prioritising function over form. What you get in return is a car that looks like it has never left a racetrack. It’s a look I happen to be rather fond of, but it would likely receive mixed opinions.
In addition to its attractive appearance, the Akula’s engine clearly demonstrates the engineers’ passion for pure driving pleasure. To ensure the thrills meet up to the absolutely nuts TVRs of old, the Akula has a 6.4-litre naturally aspirated V8 that pumps out a strong 447kW and 670Nm.
This power is handled through a manual 6-speed gearbox, and power is spat out at the rear wheels. If this isn’t a recipe for a crazy driving experience, then I’m not sure what is. It boasts a 0-100km/h time of 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 290km/h. It’s definitely no slouch.
It’s rather light too, with a weight of 1,190kg, so to ensure you can lay the power down more effectively, there is a limited-slip differential in the rear. Stopping power is crucially important, and the Akula does have carbon ceramic brakes as an optional extra. Double wishbone suspension is fitted to ensure good cornering ability; 20-inch wheels come standard; and the Akula will start at an eye-watering R6,461,796.
Ginetta first unveiled the Akula at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show with the hope that customers would receive cars by 2020. Unfortunately, this Leeds-based manufacturer experienced a significant delay, and the 20 units scheduled for production will finally reach customers.
It seems like the global community of internal combustion enthusiasts just can’t be killed off, and brands new and old are producing some seriously ambitious vehicles. The Ginetta is a prime example of a passion-fuelled design, and although it will likely never grace our shores, it is inspiring to see brands resist the downsizing trend and build cars the way they were intended to be.
