For years, popular automakers like Lamborghini, Ferrari, Koenigsegg, Bugatti, and McLaren have been at the forefront of the supercar and hypercar game. However, low-volume companies like German automaker, Apollo Automobil, have been on the up in recent years, aiming to take a bite at the exclusive market.
After little success in developing exotic sports cars, Apollo Automobil's fortunes changed by introducing the Intensa Emozione in 2019. Considered one of the wildest hypercars on the market, the Intensa Emozione (IE) is proof that a raw and untamed driving experience is possible in modern automobiles. Of course, that's not the only reason we desperately want to drive the extreme Intensa Emozione, so here are a few more.
10 Apollo Partnered With HWA AG To Develop The Intensa Emozione
HWA AG is widely recognized for running the most successful team in DTM history and is also the specialist firm that develops and builds components and vehicles for Mercedes-AMG race cars. Interestingly, Apollo Automobil developed an interest in HWA for its role in developing the legendary Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR GT1 Le Mans racer.
Intensa Emozione means 'intense emotion' in Italian, and Apollo believed that HWA AG engineers and designers would ensure the hypercar lived up to its name. HWA was well worth the punt, considering the emotional and organic driving experience the IE delivers is unmatched in its segment.
9 The Intensa Emozione Is Built Almost Entirely Of Carbon Fiber
Although carbon fiber is an expensive material to use, the upside is that it makes the Intensa Emozione strong, durable, light, and more compact than any competition constructed with metallic components. In addition, the composite weave truly enhances the IE's design and overall exotic aesthetic.
The carbon fiber construction includes a carbon fiber monocoque tub, carbon front and rear crash subframes, carbon body panels on top, all sourced from the same supplier as Pagani. The IE's carbon fiber bodywork ensures an impressively lightweight 2,755 pounds, with the roofless tub contributing just 330lbs.
8 The Intensa Emozione's Aggressive Design Is Aerodynamically Efficient
Apollo revealed that the Intensa Emozione's exterior design was based on the airflow of fighter jets and further inspired by insects, sharks, and raptors. The aggressive design manages to create a remarkable balance between generating more stick, slicing through the air, and looking incredibly sexy at the same time.
A large 'spine' runs the length of the rear to connect a sizable rear wing that contributes to the IE's lateral stability and supports an incredible amount of downforce. The extra stick is distributed 44.5 percent in the front and 55.5 in the rear to achieve a desirable lift-to-drag ratio close to an LMP race car.
7 The Intensa Emozione Boasts Numerous GT1/GT3/LMP Features
Through HWA AG's vast motorsport experience, Apollo put together a unique modern-day race-inspired hypercar with features typically found in GT1, GT3, and LMP race cars. For starters, the IE incorporates FIA-standard carbon fiber crash structures in front to ensure occupant safety.
Other features include double wishbones with rocker arm and pushrod architecture, adjustable anti-roll bars, electro-hydraulic lifter systems, air jacks, carbon-ceramic Brembo disc brakes. Michelin Sport Cup 2 tires wrap around the mammoth tires to help the IE achieve up to 2g in lateral acceleration.
6 The Intensa Emozione's Futuristic Interior Befits Its Hypercar Status
The Intensa Emozione flaunts a futuristic interior, from the dramatic gullwing doors to the cocoon-style cockpit in bare carbon fiber, aluminum, and Alcantara. The cabin oozes jet-fighter vibes, with a detachable steering wheel lined with numerous control buttons and additional switches placed in an overhead panel.
Creature comforts include air conditioning, 12-inch central infotainment, roof-mounted five-inch display, LED interior lighting, and slick digital gauges. The fixed-back padded bucket seats are custom-designed and cushioned to fit individual customer measurements, complete with harnesses to keep both occupants strapped in for the intense ride.
5 The Intensa Emozione Houses A Ferrari-Derived V12
Apollo mounted a naturally aspirated 6.3-liter V-12 engine in the middle of this gorgeous beast. The powertrain is paired to a Hewland six-speed pneumatic transmission to unleash 780hp at 8,500rpm and 561lb-ft of torque redlining at an ear-bursting 9,000rpm.
The incredibly light curb weight sees the IE tackle 0-60 in 2.7 seconds, with top speed rated at an impressive 208mph. According to Apollo, the Intensa Emozione generates 2,976 pounds of downforce at 186mph.
4 The Intensa Emozione Is Devoid Of Emotionally Dilutive Technology Systems
Apollo Automobil developed the Intensa Emozione's V-12 with Italian-based Autotecnica Motori to refrain from the hybridized, battery-assisted, and forced induction systems standard in most supercars. Eliminating these emotionally dilutive technology systems delivers a nostalgically unadulterated sensory experience.
The power band, throttle response, and soundtrack blend rather well to offer an organic driving ambiance that any traditionalist is bound to enjoy. Although the IE offers a unique purity in the driving experience, it still features enough modern tech to ensure it remains in the running against contemporary rivals.
3 The Intensa Emozione's Triplet Exhaust Is 3D Laser-Printed
Besides the massively notable rear wing, the trident-style triple exhaust is undoubtedly one of the hallmark features that evoke intense emotions. According to company owner Norman Choi, the centrally mounted exhaust comprises 3D laser-printed titanium components.
Cost? A whopping $80,000, about the same as a new BMW M4. Choi jokes that the McLaren P15 and Lamborghini Aventador S have triple exhausts, but none of them are lighter or as expensive as the IE's.
2 Apollo Built A Limited Ten Bespoke Intensa Emozione Units
The Intensa Emozione is ultra-rare, since Apollo Automobil ran a limited production run for just ten lucky owners willing to pay $2.7 million a pop. Of these, only three bespoke examples call North America home.
Considering a minimal number of people have the bragging rights of getting these beauties, any discerning gearheads would be desperate to get a chance to get behind the wheel. Well, after a few speed lessons.
1 The Track-Focused Intensa Emozione Is Road-Legal In Select Countries
The attention to detail in the Intensa Emozione is beyond reproach, built with materials and designs that make it a proper track car. Unsurprisingly, there's no official trunk or cargo space, just in case anyone had any smart ideas about everyday practicality.
Apollo equipped the IE with Wet, Sport, and Track engine maps, hydraulically assisted steering, and 12 traction control settings for street driving. However, it's eligible for road use in a few select countries.