In a world where electric drive has all the attention, it is nice to know there are independent automakers who still chase the horsepower dream the traditional way: large-capacity V engines. Such is what the Kimera K39 is.
The K39 is Kimera Automobili’s first fully original hypercar, rather than a restomod reinterpretation of a classic Lancia, which the marque has been doing all this time. Though an original car, the bodywork carries hints of Lancia DNA—specifically the Lancia Beta Montecarlo Group 5 racer. And of course it does, because it is inspired by retro Group 5 race cars, except flatter, wider, and looking like it is fully dressed for Pikes Peak.
Speaking of which, if you think the aero kit it wears is over the top, well, think again. Apparently, there is an even more insane Pikes Peak-spec version with gigantic aero that makes it look like it could take off into the sky at any moment. Obviously, it will not. It is supposed to do the exact opposite, keeping the car glued to the ground as it powers up the hill. Kimera said the Pikes Peak will be the ultimate test for its first original automobile.
Under the hood sits a bespoke twin-turbo V8 developed by Koenigsegg specifically for Kimera. This fossil-fuel-powered heart is said to deliver a breathtaking 1,000 horsepower while cranking out a chassis-twisting 1,200 Nm (885 lb-ft) of torque. Absolutely bonkers.
The monstrous engine is paired with a manual gearbox, where the power is put to good use at the rear wheels. Yes, it has a rear-wheel-drive setup, as any true sports car should.
Anyhoo, these are what we know so far about this beautiful beast. There are still many things we do not know. We do not know the suspension setup, braking system, or the details inside the cockpit. We also do not know if it will exist as a road-legal car and, if so, whether there will be a dedicated track version for race teams.
More critically, there is no hint of when it will be available, whether it will be a limited run, or how much it will cost. There is a good chance ordinary people will never be able to afford it. But to be honest, it probably would not make for a practical grocery runner anyway.
While you are saving one penny at a time for this, you may dig around the official page for more details.
Images: Kimera Automobili.
Story via Autocar.
