German lightweight engineering specialists Capricorn have unveiled their inaugural hypercar, the 01 Zagato, a striking collaboration with Milan’s legendary design house. Limited to just 19 examples and priced at €2.95 million, the Capricorn 01 Zagato merges motorsport-grade carbon fibre construction with a supercharged V8 producing over 900 PS. This mid-engined, manual-transmission hypercar weighs under 1,200 kg and prioritises driver engagement over digital aids. Production is slated to begin in the first half of 2026, heralding a bold new chapter for Capricorn.
While Capricorn’s name may be unfamiliar outside enthusiast circles, the company’s pedigree is unquestionable. Since 1933, the Düsseldorf-based firm has supplied lightweight components to Formula 1, LMP1, World Endurance Championship, and World Rally Championship teams. Their carbon fibre expertise contributed to Peugeot Sport’s Le Mans campaigns and Porsche’s LMP1 programme. Now, Capricorn has translated decades of motorsport know-how into a complete hypercar, with results that are as impressive as they are exhilarating.
Design Driven by Vision and Friendship
The 01 Zagato emerged from the partnership of Capricorn CEO Robertino Wild and Zagato President Andrea Michele Zagato—a collaboration forged through mutual respect and longstanding friendship. Wild’s vision of a pure driver-focused car aligned seamlessly with Zagato’s design ethos, producing the first hypercar to feature Zagato bodywork, a milestone for both firms.
Zagato’s century-spanning portfolio includes celebrated work with Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, Ferrari, and Lamborghini, among others. Chief Designer Norihiko Harada was given considerable creative freedom, resulting in dramatic gullwing doors, side mirrors mounted on the front fenders to reduce weight, and a design line that appears to vanish into the rear air intake before reemerging along the fender—a visual flourish that is as clever as it is captivating.
The 19-car production run pays homage to Zagato’s founding date, 19 April 1919. Each example will be sold exclusively through the Louyet Group, with initial contracts already signed—a testament to the immediate desirability of the proposition. European homologation covers the EU, UK, Switzerland, Japan, Mexico, Canada, and the Middle East.
Carbon Fibre Detail
The 01 Zagato employs an LMP1-inspired carbon fibre structure throughout, including monocoque, subframes, crash members, and all body panels, achieving a remarkable sub-1,200 kg dry weight. Buyers can choose exposed carbon fibre or bespoke paint and weave patterns, ensuring each car is unique.
Power comes from a heavily modified 5.2-litre supercharged V8, based on a proven Ford unit. Capricorn engineers reworked the supercharger, lubrication, rotating assembly, intake, cooling, exhaust, ECU, and mapping, producing over 900 PS, 1,000 Nm of torque, and a 9,000 rpm redline. The result is blistering performance: 0–100 km/h in under three seconds and a top speed of 360 km/h.
A five-speed manual gearbox sends power to the rear wheels, prioritising driver engagement over automated systems. Steering is assisted at low speeds but offers a pure, mechanical feel at higher velocities. The double-wishbone pushrod suspension with adjustable Bilstein dampers can be set to Comfort, Sport, or Track, while subtle aerodynamics generate downforce without compromising the car’s sleek lines.
A Cabin Crafted for the Driver
The cabin takes a racing-inspired approach, with carbon fibre at its core and titanium and aluminium switchgear throughout. Connolly leather and Alcantara trim are bespoke, while analogue instruments keep the rev counter front and centre. Fixed seats integrate with the safety cell and feature Schroth four-point belts, with adjustable pedals, steering column, and gear lever ensuring every driver can find the perfect position. Practical touches include a 110-litre front boot, four-wheel lift, reversing camera, Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, and 21-inch alloy or carbon fibre wheels.
The Dawn of a New Capricorn Lineage
Wild confirms that the 01 Zagato marks the beginning of a Capricorn-branded hypercar lineage. Expansion of Capricorn’s Nürburgring production facility to over 18,000 square metres will allow future capacity of 100–200 cars annually, including bespoke commissions for private clients and limited-series contracts for other manufacturers. For Düsseldorf’s lightweight specialists, this is just the beginning of a bold, exciting journey.