capricorn GROUP (capricorn), the German leader in automotive lightweight technology, has unveiled its first limited-edition hypercar, the capricorn 01 Zagato. This mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive hypercar features a body designed by Zagato and is handbuilt in Germany to deliver a pure, analog driving experience.
Production of the capricorn 01 Zagato will be limited to 19 coupes, honoring Zagato’s founding date of April 19, 1919. This number reflects the design house’s legacy of ultra-limited hypercars and will be sold exclusively through luxury retailer Louyet Group.
The capricorn 01 Zagato employs gullwing doors to offer stunning aesthetic. To reduce weight, the side mirrors are mounted on the front fenders, rather than on the doors. No consideration was given to using cameras as they would have detracted from the purity of the car’s timeless character.
From the initial design stages, Zagato collaborated with Capricorn and other partners to integrate Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis, blending technical performance with timeless design.
Harada notes that the capricorn 01 Zagato features prominent air intakes and outlets that shape its aesthetic while enhancing aerodynamics. The notable rear air intake channels air efficiently, aided by a sleek design line that flows seamlessly across the vehicle.
This model achieves substantial downforce without relying on large wings, utilizing internal airflow management and underfloor design, including front and rear diffusers. A subtle rear airfoil complements the diffuser for improved performance.
The Capricorn design team created a minimalist cabin for their car, focusing on a distraction-free driving experience with high-quality materials. The cabin is primarily made of carbon fiber, with titanium and aluminum switchgear, and features Connolly leather and Alcantara. Its racing-inspired dashboard includes an analog instrument cluster, with a large rev counter and essential gauges. The steering wheel is leather-covered and simple, while fixed seats with adjustable cushioning and safety belts accommodate various driver sizes. Additionally, the car has a spacious interior, a 110-litre trunk for luggage, and practical features like a four-wheel lift system and a discreet reversing camera.
For the performance, Capricorn chose a proven Ford V8 as the base engine, modifying it extensively with in-house engineering. This enhancement involved developing bespoke components like a supercharger, dry sump lubrication system, rotating assembly, air intake, cooling system, and exhaust, along with its own ECU and mapping software.
With the capricorn enhancements complete, the engine produces over 900 PS (662 kW) and 1,000 Nm of torque, with a maximum rev limit of 9,000 rpm. Thanks to decades of expertise in ultra-lightweight materials, the capricorn 01 Zagato weighs under 1,200 kg. With excellent power-to-weight, the hypercar can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in under 3 seconds and has a top speed of 360 km/h.
It is mated to a CIMA five-speed dogleg manual gearbox, that transmits power and torque to the rear axle, ensuring a pure driving experience.
For stopping power, capricorn 01 Zagato is equipped with carbon-ceramic discs and six-piston calipers, sourced from Brembo, paired with a bespoke ABS system. Unique 21-inch wheels, designed and engineered in-house by capricorn, are offered in a choice of lightweight alloy or carbon fiber.
Applying expertise from LMP1 racing, capricorn’s first road car features a super-stiff, all-carbon fiber structure, including the monocoque, subframes, crash members, and body panels.
The suspension is based on a double wishbone, pushrod system with Bilstein spring/damper units, offering three selectable driving modes (Comfort, Sport & Track) via the steering wheel. Capricorn’s engineers have also focused on delivering optimum driving feel in the steering system, as Wild explains:
Production of the capricorn 01 Zagato will start in the first half of 2026, with a limited series of 19 coupes available exclusively through Louyet Group. These cars will initially be presented to VIP clients and established European collectors. Sales contracts have already been signed.
The European-homologated capricorn 01 Zagato will be available in the EU, UK, Switzerland, Japan, Mexico, Canada, and the Middle East.
Each Capricorn 01 Zagato coupe is bespoke, allowing customers to select any exterior color, finish (including fully exposed carbon fiber), and interior materials like Connolly leather or Alcantara.
The car includes a two-year warranty and a four-year service plan, both managed by Capricorn at their Düsseldorf facility, ensuring quality control. Almost all spare parts are produced in-house for long-term availability.
In 2026, Capricorn will increase its Nürburgring production to over 18,000 square meters with a new plant, while the capricorn 01 Zagato coupe is limited to 19 units, and future projects can be produced in batches of 100 to 200 cars annually.
capricorn 01 Zagato: Technical Specifications
- Engine: 5.2-liter Supercharged V8 (further developed by capricorn, see details in main text)
- Horsepower: 900+PS (662 kW) (subject to final homologation results)
- Torque: 1,000 Nm
- Max RPM: 9,000 rpm
- Dry Weight: <1,200 kg
- 0-100 km/h: <3 seconds
- Top Speed: 360 km/h
- Transmission: 5-speed Dogleg Manual (CIMA), Rear-wheel-drive
- Chassis & Body: All-Carbon Fiber Monocoque & Subframes
- Suspension: Double Wishbone, Pushrod Bilstein dampers, 4-Wheel Lift System. Comfort, Sport & Track driving modes, manually selectable from within the cabin
- Brakes: Carbon Ceramic Discs (Brembo)
- Wheels: 21-inch (Front: 9.5-inch width, Rear: 12.5-inch width), choice of Lightweight Alloy and Carbon Fiber
- Interior Materials: Connolly Leather, Alcantara, milled Titanium, Aluminum, Carbon Fiber
- Trunk Volume: 110 liters
- Production Run: 19 units
- Price: €2.95 million (pre-tax, ex-works)
- Two-year warranty
- Four-year servicing package
- European homologation (inc. U.K., Switzerland, Japan, Mexico, Canada, Middle East)