4 Minutes
A new, old-school supercar arrives
When German engineering precision, Italian coachbuilding and American V8 muscle collide, the result can be unexpectedly intoxicating. Enter the Capricorn 01 Zagato — a limited-run supercar that blends a hand-built Zagato body with a mid-mounted, American-sourced supercharged V8 and an old-school five-speed manual gearbox.
Months after the first Capricorn prototype was unveiled in Belgium, a fresh prototype stole the show at Retromobile in Paris. Dressed in a bold solar yellow exterior and a blue suede interior, this latest example projects an aggressive, characterful persona. Importantly, Capricorn stresses these are not mere static show cars: the prototypes are fully driveable and have received substantial technical development.
Styling: unmistakably Zagato
Zagato’s signature is everywhere. The two-bubble roof — a Zagato hallmark — pairs with almond-shaped headlights to shout Italian heritage. Gullwing doors, pronounced air intakes, and twin exhaust outlets give the rear a sculpted, dramatic look. The floating rear pillars recall the legendary Ford GT and suggest motion even when stationary.
Cabin: a celebration of analog driving
In an era dominated by touchscreens, the Capricorn’s cockpit is refreshingly tactile. Think real mechanical gauges, a round steering wheel, and the most alluring detail: a gated metal shifter that slides through precise slots. Blue suede contrasts with exposed carbon fiber to create a space that invites drivers to brake later, downshift manually, and savor the visceral experience rather than fumble through digital menus.
Performance and drivetrain
Under the carbon-fiber skin sits a mid-mounted Ford 5.2-liter supercharged V8 that has been extensively modified. Output exceeds 900 hp with torque approaching 1,000 Nm. Capricorn claims:
- 0–100 km/h in under 3 seconds
- Top speed around 360 km/h
- Rear-wheel drive via a five-speed manual gearbox
With a curb weight under 1,200 kg, the power-to-weight ratio puts the Capricorn in truly explosive territory — effectively a ground-to-ground rocket. Notably, several lightweight components used on the car have pedigree in top-level motorsport; parts have been tested on Mercedes and Lotus Formula 1 machinery and in Porsche-run programs at Le Mans.
"We wanted to preserve the soul of driving," the maker says, emphasizing the decision to use a manual gearbox despite modern alternatives.
Limited production and market positioning
Only 19 units are planned, and Capricorn says just a handful remain available. The price is roughly €2.95 million (about $3.5 million), placing the model in direct competition with boutique hypercar makers such as Pagani, Koenigsegg and even some entries from Bugatti in terms of market positioning and exclusivity.
What distinguishes the Capricorn 01 is its unusual recipe: European coachbuilding and engineering married with American V8 muscle and a purist manual transmission. For collectors and driving purists who prioritize tactile engagement over blind straight-line numbers, that could be decisive.
Specifications (high level)
- Engine: Ford-derived 5.2L V8, supercharged
- Power: >900 hp
- Torque: ~1000 Nm
- Transmission: 5-speed manual, RWD
- Weight: <1,200 kg
- 0–100 km/h: <3.0 s
- Top speed: ~360 km/h
- Production: 19 units
- Price: ~€2.95M (~$3.5M)
How it stacks up
Compared with established hypercars, the Capricorn trades outright brand recognition for rarity and an analog driving focus. Where many rivals offer dual-clutch automatics and complex hybrid systems, Capricorn leans into simplicity and driver involvement. That approach will appeal to a niche: wealthy enthusiasts who want to feel every shift and hear every intake snarl.
Final note
Whether this German-Italian-American fusion can unseat the major boutique marques remains to be seen. But for those seeking a manual gearbox, mid-engine balance, and a coachbuilt Zagato silhouette combined with raw V8 thrust, the Capricorn 01 is a thrilling and rare proposition.
Highlights: hand-built Zagato coachwork, 900+ hp supercharged V8, five-speed manual, limited to 19 units, deliveries slated for late this year.
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