The Limited-Run Ginetta Akula: 5 Things That Makes it a Super-Road-Car
4 min read
Ginetta Akula. (Image source: Ginetta)
We first saw the Ginetta Akula back in 2019, where it was posed as a 20-unit limited-run car with some very impressive numbers on the paper. And now after five years of development the Akula is here in the metal. Ginetta has wittily managed to wrap the best things from a track weapon, a grand tourer, and a practical load-hugging hatch into one interestingly packaged car. And in this article we will tell you why.
Aerodynamics From GT4
Starting with the body which Ginetta claims to be a result of extreme aerodynamic modelling derived from the company’s G61-LT-P1 LMP1 Le Mans Racer. Translation, a front splitter, turning vanes and a wild rear wing. This is alongside a complete flat carbon fibre floor that helps clean air flow towards that deep diffuser.
Read More: Your Ultimate Guide to Engine Remapping in the UK (2024)
At the track, the Ginetta keeps things interesting with a carbon fibre monocoque that is attached with carbon fibre subframes, reinforced by a steel roll cage. You get billet aluminium double wishbones all round with electronically adaptive dampers and manually adjustable front and rear anti roll bars.
You Might Not Need the Carbon Ceramic Brakes
The 360mm steel brake apparatus on the car comes from the firm’s GT4 race car which Ginetta admits is over-engineered for a road car. However, if that doesn’t suffice then you can opt for the carbon ceramic options. The wheels get aluminium centre-locking, measure 20 inches in diameter and are wrapped in Pirelli P Zero tyres.
A Front Mid-Engined V8
Ginetta made sure to package all major components within the front and the rear axle for a perfect 50:50 weight distribution. However, the company claims this centralisation of heavy components also lets the car have a ‘uniquely low’ polar moment of inertia. Translation, it would be capable of changing directions with utmost levels of response through the company’s electric power steering system.
Read More: Land Rover Defender Octa Launched: All You Need to Know About the Unhinged Twin
Those major components also include the 6.4-litre V8 heart that uses Ginetta’s aluminium block putting out 600bhp at 7,200rpm and 670Nm of torque at 5,100rpm. The engine tips the scale at 175kg and sits beneath the deep dashboard, making it a front mid-engined car. Ginetta even made the exhausts exit from the side to make it shorter and further centralise the mass. All the juice is sent to the rear wheels via either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. With a kerb weight of 1,190kg, the result is a 0-62mph in 2.9 seconds and a top speed of over 180mph.
Not a Complete GT4 on the Inside
The Akula also scores well in terms of the interior with the seats that are fixed, forming part of the carbon fibre monocoque. Ginetta will even let you have bespoke, tailor-made foam padding that fits your body. The padding is also on the transmission tunnel and on the door allowing the driver to brace themselves. And since the seats are immovable, you get an adjustable pedal box and steering wheel (both made of carbon fibre). Components like the door handles, air vents and intricate speaker grilles come in aluminium chipping in to its premium appeal.
Features on the car are not just limited to the cup holders. As standard, you also get a touchscreen with iOS compatibility, heated windscreen, and wireless phone charging. The carbon ceramic brakes we mentioned before come as a part of the race pack, which also comes with six-point harnesses and your own Ginetta race suit, boots, gloves and underwear!
Akula or Vanquish?
We lost the number of times we mentioned carbon ceramic in this article and the price tag reflects the same. The Akula comes in at a not-so-cheap price tag of 330,000 which exactly matches the tag on the Aston Martin Vanquish. The car will be limited to just 20 units – a hark back to the 20th anniversary of Dr Tomilnson acquiring the company.
