We’re fans of underdog supercar maker Ginetta for a few reasons. First of all is that they are actual racers. Most of the supercars that debut today will not have bona-fide tracktime in their futures, while this Akula certainly does.
And secondly, for the functionality of their approach to sports cars. The spirit of the new Akula’s design vaguely recalls TVR from the wild old days. This is not a machine that went through dozens of focus groups and design evolutions. This is a murderous slasher film in CFRP — all vents and intakes and outlets throughout the entire lower bodywork from nose to tail.
This machine is much smaller than most supercars but has alot of stage presence and a purity-of-purpose that is missing from many in Geneva — namely the Pininfarina Battista EV.
This is a machine barely larger than an MX-5 running a 575HP V8. Enough said!
Or is it? The counterpoints might be that the LED execution and detail carbon elements are pretty rough, while the Akula name and Typhoon paint name are slightly tone-deaf in referencing Soviet submarines.
2019 Ginetta Akula
GINETTA SUPERCAR MAKES DEBUT AT GENEVA MOTORSHOW AND IS NAMED AKULA
- Named Akula, the Russian word for ‘shark’, the supercar also shares its name with nuclear-powered attack submarines
- Ownership experience to include exclusive track experience in range of Ginetta models including thunderous G58 prototype racer
- 940kg, 575bhp V8 G58 prototype will offer authentic race car experience for Akula owners alongside selection of other machines from Ginetta’s back catalogue
- Priced at GBP 340,000 OTR in UK
- Limited to 20 units in first production year of 2020, with 60% already sold prior to unveiling
- Akula unveiled at Geneva finished in ‘Typhoon Black’
Geneva, 5th March 2019 – Today the Ginetta supercar made its world debut at the Geneva International Motorshow where company Chairman Lawrence Tomlinson confirmed the name, pricing and further ownership details of its all-new supercar.
The combination of aerodynamically optimised design and potent performance found in the new supercar required a fitting name, and given the car’s formidable presence Akula was chosen. Being the Russian word for ‘shark’ as well as a term for nuclear-powered attack submarines, the predatory character of both subjects lent themselves well to Ginetta’s creation. Finished in ‘Typhoon Black’, the Akula captivated the crowd in Geneva with its menacing appearance.
Chairman Lawrence Tomlinson commented: “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.”
A true limited-edition vehicle, the Akula is priced at GBP 340,000 on the road. Production will be limited to just 20 units in 2020, with 60% of this allocation already sold before the car was publicly unveiled.
Paramount to Ginetta’s supercar programme was customer inclusion, with the barriers often associated with supercar ownership firmly removed. Aside from building a personal relationship with the engineers that built their car, Akula owners 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 in to an endurance racer as non-professionals are likely to achieve. The G58 is powered by a 575bhp V8 power plant, weighs just 940 kilograms and showcases some of the race-derived technology utilised in the Akula to whole new levels.
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.
Tomlinson commented: “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.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
Founded in 1958 by the four Walklett brothers, Ginetta has a long and successful history of producing hand-built road and race cars. Beginning with the G2, enthusiast favourites such as the G4, G10, G12, G40 and G55 followed in a varied line up.
Acquired by Le Mans winner and entrepreneur Lawrence Tomlinson in 2005, the company is now known globally for its motorsport activities. Ginetta operates a network of racing series, from nurturing young talent through the Ginetta Junior programme (one graduate of which is McLaren F1Ô driver Lando Norris) through to prototype racing such as LMP1.
Every car is hand built in a state-of-the-art factory just outside Leeds in West Yorkshire. The company has continuously developed its technology and manufacturing capabilities, with the factory equipped with autoclaves, CNC machining capability and extensive design facilities. As a result, Ginetta now carries out more original engineering than any other UK car company of its size and has produced more GT4 cars than any other global manufacturer.
Translating this expertise and manufacturing capability into an an all-new supercar, 2019 will see Ginetta return to the company’s roots in ultra-lightweight, high-power road cars.
Tom Burkart is the founder and managing editor of Car-Revs-Daily.com, an innovative and rapidly-expanding automotive news magazine.
He holds a Journalism JBA degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Tom currently resides in Charleston, South Carolina with his two amazing dogs, Drake and Tank.
Mr. Burkart is available for all questions and concerns by email Tom(at)car-revs-daily.com.