After nearly a century of building championship-winning components for Formula 1, Le Mans, and World Rally Championship teams from behind the scenes, Capricorn Group has stepped into the spotlight with a hypercar bearing its own name. The German lightweight technology specialist has partnered with Italian design house Zagato to create the Capricorn 01 Zagato, a mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive machine that prioritizes driver engagement over raw horsepower numbers.
This collaboration marks a significant moment for both companies. It represents Capricorn’s evolution from component supplier to full vehicle manufacturer, while simultaneously becoming the first hypercar ever designed by Zagato in the design house’s 106-year history.
The hypercar features a 5.2-liter supercharged V8 producing over 900 PS and 1,000 Nm of torque. Built with a full LMP1-type carbon fiber structure and body, it weighs less than 1,200 kg, giving it an exceptional power-to-weight ratio. This allows the car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in under three seconds and reach a top speed of 360 km/h. Capricorn emphasizes lightweight construction and driver engagement over simply maximizing horsepower, delivering a vehicle that is agile, responsive, and analog-focused.
CEO Robertino Wild, said, “This car is a showcase of Capricorn’s comprehensive capabilities. It demonstrates precisely what Capricorn can do when it combines all of its technologies and skills to engineer, develop, and build an entire car. The project positions Capricorn as a manufacturer capable of producing pre-series cars, assembling full series for OEMs, or building bespoke hypercars for private clients.”
Capricorn 01 Zagato is limited to just 19 coupes, referencing Zagato’s founding year of 1919. Each unit will be sold exclusively through luxury automotive retailer Louyet Group, offering collectors and enthusiasts access to one of the rarest hypercars on the market.
Zagato President Andrea Michele Zagato said, “Until now, Zagato has never designed a hypercar. I am delighted that the first hypercar ever to feature a Zagato-designed body has been created in partnership with my dear friend Robertino Wild, and his highly experienced technical team at Capricorn. And I am also proud that by combining Italian design flair with German engineering discipline and holding steadfast to the vision that Robertino and I share on what a true driver’s car should be – we have brought a unique and highly collectible proposition to the market.”
The design emphasizes timeless appeal and performance. Gullwing doors, fender-mounted mirrors, and integrated airflow channels provide aerodynamic efficiency without relying on large spoilers. Internal airflow management and underfloor diffusers generate consistent downforce while maintaining clean lines. Capricorn’s engineers focused on making this downforce predictable and usable for skilled drivers rather than extreme and difficult-to-control levels.
The cabin reflects a minimalist, driver-focused philosophy. Carbon fiber, titanium, and aluminum dominate construction, with Connolly leather or Alcantara customizable per client preference. Three-unit analog instrument cluster and longitudinally adjustable manual gear lever provide clarity and comfort for drivers of all sizes. Front-mounted 110-liter trunk adds practicality for weekend trips, while features like a four-wheel lift system and discreet reversing camera enhance usability.
Performance is delivered via a modified Ford V8 with bespoke supercharger, dry-sump lubrication, ECU, and mapping software. Power reaches the rear wheels through a CIMA five-speed dogleg manual gearbox, emphasizing engagement over extra gears. Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes with six-piston calipers provide fade-free stopping power, while bespoke 21-inch wheels are offered in alloy or carbon fiber.
The suspension combines double wishbones, pushrod geometry, and Bilstein dampers calibrated for three driving modes: Comfort, Sport, and Track. Capricorn also developed a bespoke electric power-assisted steering system that disengages at higher speeds to maintain a mechanical connection between driver and road.
Production begins in the first half of 2026 at Capricorn’s German facility. The Capricorn 01 Zagato will be available in the EU, UK, Switzerland, Japan, Mexico, Canada, and the Middle East, with fully bespoke exterior colors, finishes, and interior options. Each car comes with a two-year warranty and a four-year service plan, with maintenance handled exclusively at Capricorn’s Düsseldorf facility.
While limited to 19 units, Capricorn plans to expand production capabilities for future models, including bespoke series for other OEMs or private clients. The hypercar combines decades of racing-derived lightweight engineering, precise handling, and Zagato’s century-long design heritage to create a driving experience that is both visceral and collectible.
Each car is priced at €2.95 million before taxes, ex-works. With capability to handle future projects in batches of 100 to 200 cars annually, Capricorn has positioned itself not just as a component supplier but as a legitimate high-end automotive manufacturer capable of managing complex projects to OEM standards. The Capricorn 01 Zagato represents a calculated bet that there remains a market for analog driving experiences in an increasingly digitized and electrified automotive landscape, 19 wealthy collectors will soon discover whether that vision translates from the drawing board to the driver’s seat.
