Skip to main content

Apollo Teams with Legendary Motorsports Outfit to Intensify Intensa Emozione

Few news wires illicit a squeal of joy from me these days. Most are drab business affairs detailing the merger of a tech startup and some gigantic automaker collaborating on a new form of toaster oven. It’s all rather dull and monotonous. However, that isn’t Apollo’s style and thank the heavens.

Recommended Videos

Instead of a joint venture in all things toasty, Apollo has teamed up with legendary motorsports outfit HWA AG for the final development of the Intensa Emozione — and, by Zeus, that should make you quiver with anticipation.

It may have been a while since you last heard the Apollo name. The company, formally known as Gumpert, was sold off some years ago and by all accounts, went dark. That, however, was by choice, as the new company was secretly building the Intensa Emozione (IE) what it termed as “the last supercar you’ll think of when the world goes autonomous and electric.”

From the start, Apollo’s mission statement for the IE has been to build a hypercar that wouldn’t have been out of place if it had raced in the glorious Le Mans GT1 Class. So far, that’s what the been working toward as a naturally aspirated 6.3-liter V-12 sits squarely behind the driver who has over 800 horsepower connected to their right foot. However, for some people without pulses and joy in their lives, there’s been a crucial piece missing in the quest for GT1 glory: a real connection with those cars. The partnership with HWA AG is that missing piece.

Apollo Intensa Emozione HWA AG Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR 3
Apollo Intensa Emozione (left) and Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR (right). Image used with permission by copyright holder

HWA AG began as an offshoot of Mercedes-Benz in the late 1990s and was responsible for the brand’s DTM race cars, as well as one very specific ride: the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR. The CLK GTR was a GT1-spec race car that was then homologated for the road. Just 25 road cars were produced, and only a handful of race cars, but each was a monumental piece of engineering and excitement. The CLK GTR was the pinnacle of poster cars in the late 1990s and, on one occasion during the Le Mans weekend, tried to kill former F1 great Mark Webber.

HWA AG was not only responsible for both the development of the road and race cars, but partially for Apollo’s CEO Norman Choi’s love of GT1 race cars, which would then inspire him to build the IE. It seems that this partnership — which is aimed to make an iconic hypercar just like the CLK GTR — was meant to be.

The Apollo IE has been making great strides toward its full debut later in 2018 (and we can’t wait to take you behind the wheel as soon as they let us). HWA AG will assist Apollo by fine-tuning the hypercar’s calibration; focusing on safety, reliability, and thermal dynamics; and working on a “‘Race to Road’ strategy” through its continued development.

This is going to be one truly special machine.

Jonathon Klein
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Jonathon is a former contributor to The Manual. Please reach out to The Manual editorial staff with any questions or comments…
Bridgestone’s new touring tire comes with an 80,000 mile warranty
Bridgestone Launches All-New Turanza EverDrive Touring Tire
bridgestones new touring tire comes with an 80000 mile warranty bridgestone turanza everdrive  3

Since we started using a set of Firehawk Indy 500 tires a few months ago, Bridgestone has really impressed us with their dedication to quality and innovation in the tire scene. This week, they’ve introduced an exciting new addition—the Turanza EverDrive touring tire, and it's backed by an incredible 80,000-mile warranty, which is their longest yet.

These tires are designed for sedans, CUVs, and minivans, and they come with some really new and useful technology. The next-generation rubber compound helps fight against uneven wear, so you can expect them to last you longer. Plus, they’ll give you a smooth and comfortable ride, perfect for all your daily adventures with or without the family.

Read more
Aston Martin and LEGO unveil their latest collaboration: the LEGO Technic Aston Martin Valkyrie
The LEGO Technic Aston Martin Valkyrie
aston martin and lego unveil their latest collaboration the technic valkyrie  astonmartinvalkyrie1

Aston Martin and the LEGO Group have teamed up to roll out an exciting new project: the LEGO Technic Aston Martin Valkyrie. This awesome set combines the high-performance vibes of Aston Martin’s incredible hypercar with the fun of LEGO building. It gives fans a chance to explore all the exciting details and cutting-edge technology that make this car so unique.

Whether you’re into cars or just love LEGO, this model promises a fun building experience that’s sure to keep you engaged. Plus, it’s part of a fun partnership with Gameloft's Asphalt Legends UNITE gaming platform, so you can race both the real Aston Martin Valkyrie and your LEGO version in the game, getting the best of both worlds.

Read more
Ben Collins talks us through his record-setting Top Gear Test Track lap
Former Stig Ben Collins talks about the car he's just set a record time in
Ben Collins stood next to a Praga Bohemia

Ben Collins has a respectable racing career, movie credits, and a successful YouTube channel to his name. Despite all of this, he’s most famous for a role that was meant to be anonymous. Collins played the part of Top Gear’s iconic tamed racing driver, “The Stig,” between 2003 and 2010.

Despite hanging up the white racing suit, Collins still knows the Top Gear Test Track like the back of his hand, which is useful as he’s just broken another record on it. The accomplished driver officially set the fastest time in an internal combustion engine (ICE) car while behind the wheel of a Praga Bohemia. The Manual recently caught up with Collins to discuss his record-breaking lap, and the vehicle that propelled him to it.
The Praga Bohemia is “a real weapon”

Read more