Delage isn’t exactly a household name as
the company ceased production nearly 70 years ago. However, it’s been revived
in the form of the “world’s fastest street-legal hybrid supercar.” Called the
D12, the model features an “ultramodern design” that draws inspiration from
fighter jets and Formula 1. That’s clearly visible up front as the D12 has an
F1-inspired nose with a carbon fiber splitter. The front wheels are also
separated from the main body and there’s a transparent cover that provides a
glimpse at the contractive suspension.
Further back, there’s a one-piece
greenhouse which opens like a jet canopy. We can also see a roof-mounted scoop,
huge side vents and a wide rear wing. Other highlights include carbon fiber
wheels, a massive diffuser and LED lighting units. The D12 is a two-seater
where the driver and passenger sit in tandem. The company says the model will
have carbon fiber seats and a unique steering wheel with “fighter jet-style
joysticks.” We can also see an assortment of digital displays and Delage says
there will also be a Focal audio system.
There will be two versions of the D12,
known as the GT and Club. Both will have a French-made, naturally aspirated
7.6-liter V12 engine that is backed up by an electric motor and an eight-speed
automatic transmission. The engine produces 990 hp and GT’s
electric motor will add 110 hp to bring its combined output to
1,100 hp. The Club, on the other hand, will use a
lightweight 20 hp motor that “only assists with traffic
driving, parking and reverse.” As a result, the D12 Club will have a lower
output of 1,010 hp. However, it will have a dry weight of 1,310 kg which makes it 89.8 kg lighter than the GT.
Delage says the “The GT will accelerate
faster, but the Club will be the fastest to lap any track.” The company also
noted the D12 is “intended to beat the Nürburgring Nordschleife lap record.”
The car is being developed by a “world class technical team that collectively
has 16 FIA World Champion titles.” It includes F1 World Champion Jacques
Villeneuve and technical director Benoit Bagur, who is a two-time FIA Touring
Car World Champion. If everything goes according to plan, the D12 will go into
production in 2021. Only 30 units will be built and each will cost US$ 2.3
million.