► Race-inspired aerodynamics
► 6.4-litre naturally-aspirated V8 engine
► 0-62mph in 2.9 seconds
This is the Ginetta Akula – an all-new hypercar commissioned to celebrate two decades of ownership under current owner Dr Lawrence Tomlinson. If it looks familiar, that’s because it was originally revealed in concept form in 2019. Now, however it enters production, with just twenty examples planned. It’ll cost £275,000 plus taxes and shopping – and build slots are still available.
What happened to it?
It’s fair to say the Ginetta was penned with performance in mind rather than looks. Every part of the car exists due to hours in the wind-tunnel, with much of it derived from the brand’s own G61-LT-P1 LMP1 race car. A flat floor helps with drag, but every inch of the car’s upper surface is adorned with aero tricks: from a front splitter to turning vanes and a huge rear diffuser, it’s all about extracting as much downforce as possible.
The Akula uses a lightweight carbonfibre monocoque with carbon front and rear subframes, and a steel roll cage adds to the rigid platform.
There’s a front and rear double wishbone pushrod suspension, with electronic dampers for more control over handling. Front and rear anti-roll bars can also be tweaked depending on track conditions.
Altogether it weighs just 1190kg, but that hasn’t stopped Ginetta’s engineers adding 360mm steel discs all around. An optional Akula race pack adds carbon ceramic stoppers for extra braking power – and a slight reduction in unsprung mass.
Ginetta has plopped the engine in the middle of the chassis for the best compromise between optimum weight distribution and space for aerodynamics.
What about the engine?
The Akula uses a 6.4-litre naturally-aspirated V8 designed in-house. The block is aluminium, but the valvetrain is titanium, and it’ll throw out 600bhp at 7200rpm and 670Nm of torque at 5100rpm.
Power goes through either a six-speed manual, or a seven-speed automatic ‘box, and then to limited-slip differential before going to the rear wheels. Keep it in a straight line, and it’ll hit 0-62mph as soon as 2.9 seconds.
‘Since the Akula concept was unveiled back in 2019, the car has undergone an intensive test and development programme,’ said Clive Seddon, Ginetta’s technical director. ‘We have spared neither time nor expense to fine-hone the Akula to deliver the sharpest and most immersive driving experience possible, and Lawrence has been there with the team every step of the way.’
Want one?
You won’t be able to get the first, with owner Tomlinson already first on the order book – as you’d expect. ‘But I am looking forward to seeing who will join me in taking ownership of a British-built Ginetta supercar utterly without compromise,’ he added.