Ginetta Akula debuts – 600 hp, 1,150 kg; 20 units only!

Ginetta, having recently confirmed its return to the lucrative game of producing exclusive high-performance cars, has taken the veils off its latest creation at the Geneva International Motor Show. The supercar is called Akula, which means shark in Russian, otherwise also known as a term for nuclear-powered attack submarines.

The show unit is finished in Typhoon Black and features some truly wild LMP-derived aero styling (Ginetta claims market-leading downforce). The extensive use of carbon-fibre and lightweight metals help contribute to the car’s low kerb weight of 1,150 kg, and its mid-mounted 6.0 litre V8 engine (five-axis billet-machined engine block) is designed in-house.

Performance-wise, the rear-wheel drive monster packs slightly over 600 hp, allowing it to reach a top speed of 200 mph (322 km/h). Details are scarce for the time being, but the Akula gets a six-speed gearbox with paddle shifters, torque-sensing limited slip differential, as well as carbon ceramic matrix brakes that give up to 1.2G of deceleration.

Inside, the racing seats with harness are integrated to the chassis, and assortments include LMP1-inspired steering wheel, as well as a touchscreen infotainment system. Only 20 units of the Akula will be built, and its on-the-road price in the UK starts from £340,000 (RM1.8 million). Of the 20 available units, 60% have been snapped up prior to its unveiling.

Company chairman Lawrence Tomlinson said: “The concept behind the Akula was to build something truly individual, something that other brands cannot do due to corporate constraints. Designed to cut through the air like a shark through water, the car unquestionably means business, and I’m proud to be manufacturing a car of such significance in the UK.”

As a bonus, owners of the Akula will also be given a full introduction to the Ginetta brand with a customer experience day culminating in track time in the G58 racer. “The G58 is the closest thing to strapping into an endurance racer as non-professionals are likely to achieve,” Ginetta says. The G58 is powered by a 575-hp V8 engine, weighs just 940 kg and showcases some of the race-derived technology utilised in the Akula.

With a Ginetta factory driver, full pit crew and a range of Ginetta vehicles from G40 up to G58 at their disposal, this exclusive ownership experience will be an induction into the Ginetta family for Akula owners and the start of a supercar ownership experience like no other.

“We’re a small company but we pack a punch, and our customers should be the ones who truly benefit from that. We compete with other manufacturers on the race track, but with our supercar we’re offering something different and aimed at those who want a true connection with the brand that built their car. Whether it be taking to the track in a G58 or making your bespoke specification choices with us at the factory, Akula owners will be truly involved in all things Ginetta,” said Tomlinson.

GALLERY: Ginetta Akula

GALLERY: Ginetta G58

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Learn more: 2019 Geneva Motor Show