In the prestigious ambience of The Quail during the renowned Monterey Car Week, Czinger Vehicles made a momentous announcement with the unveiling of the Founders Edition of its groundbreaking 21C, aptly named “The Blackbird.” This unveiling not only marked a world premiere but also served as a profound homage to American ingenuity and the original muse behind the 21C’s conception.
The SR-71 Blackbird, an emblem of aerial supremacy, has been the inspiration behind the 21C from its inception, a fact vividly celebrated through this special edition. The vehicle represents a return to the brand’s origins, embodying Czinger’s signature design ethos, pioneering technology, and unparalleled performance credentials. This edition stands as a testament to rebirth, the 21C reimagined through the prism of heritage and future-forward innovation.
Drawing from the SR-71’s legacy of breakthrough innovation and dominant performance, the 21C incorporates features such as an inimitable inline seating arrangement, advanced aerodynamics for increased downforce, a robust hybrid powertrain, and a chassis and suspension conceptualised by supercomputers. It also boasts structures created through additive manufacturing, employing materials specifically engineered for this purpose. These aspects collectively elevate the hypercar’s performance to the apex of its class, with its design philosophy—”form follows function”—manifested in its aesthetically compelling and organically sculpted bodywork.
The Blackbird edition is distinguished by its singular exterior finish in a deep custom JET black hue, complemented by exposed carbon surfaces and livery inspired by the SR-71 itself. It features a power upgrade to 1,350bhp and a bespoke exhaust system reminiscent of the iconic SR-71 afterburners. The wheel design draws directly from the aircraft’s silhouette, merging function and form in a harmonious blend of carbon and titanium.
Interior-wise, the Blackbird edition is equally remarkable, with Alcantara components designed specifically to echo the SR-71’s storied legacy. These are enhanced by a distinctive black leather finish and satin titanium elements, highlighting the vehicle’s structural elegance and aligning with Czinger’s commitment to sustainability and innovative flair.
Kevin Czinger, Founder and CEO of Czinger Vehicles, remarked, “The SR-71 stands as a pinnacle of innovation from its era. At Czinger, our ambition is to pioneer the most advanced technology of our century, transitioning car manufacturing from analog to digital realms and effecting a significant paradigm shift in the automotive sector. The 21C Blackbird edition embodies this vision of innovation at its most refined.”
Echoing this sentiment, Lukas Czinger, Co-Founder and COO, shared, “The unveiling of the Blackbird edition represents a culmination of our lifelong inspiration drawn from the SR-71 program. It’s a realisation of the dream my father and I harboured, offering our clientele the most sophisticated interpretation of the 21C.”
In a complementary showcase, Czinger also presented the 21C V Max in Iceman Blue, another embodiment of the brand’s philosophy of Functional Art. This version emphasises aerodynamic elegance and sophisticated design, pairing beautifully with the Blackbird.
With Kevin and Lukas Czinger engaging directly with enthusiasts, prospects, and media, the event provided an intimate platform for discussions about the brand’s latest developments. The duo will continue these engagements at the Sunset Center on August 19, where both the Blackbird and V Max editions will be displayed.
As the world’s fastest production car, the 21C is a marvel of human-AI collaboration, additive manufacturing, and sustainable production methods. Its competitive edge, validated by multiple track records, is a testament to the Czingers’ drive for excellence. With the first customer deliveries on the horizon and an expanding global presence, Czinger is poised to deliver these limited-edition hypercars to a discerning clientele, ensuring their place in automotive lore.