French manufacturer Delage has started production of its new limited-run D12 hybrid hypercar. The company, which was originally active from 1905 to 1953, was revived in 2019 with the aim of creating a sleek two-seater that provides a Formula 1 experience for the road.

The D12 GT, showcased at the 2022 Goodwood Festival of Speed, is equipped with a powerful 976bhp V12 engine and a 109bhp electric motor, resulting in a total power output of 1085bhp and 794lb ft of torque.

Featuring a central carbon fiber monocoque, a frontal carbon fiber crash structure, and an aluminum rear frame, the D12 has a tandem seating configuration where the passenger sits behind the driver. It also utilizes a unique contractive suspension set-up developed by Delage’s chassis and suspension chief Mauro Bianchi, who works alongside technical director Benoit Bagur and chief test driver Jacques Villeneuve.

Delage has completed four D12 units and has started work on the planned limited run of 30 cars, priced from approximately £1.7 million each. Laurent Tapie, the serial entrepreneur behind the revival of Delage, mentioned that there has been significant interest in the project, stating that “the car attracts a lot of attention because there’s nothing else like it out there.”

Although it will take four to five years to build the cars, Tapie believes in the long-term success of the brand, acknowledging that it will take time to establish awareness since the brand has been dormant for 70 years.

While production of the D12 is underway, Delage has already begun designing its second hypercar, which will be a grand tourer two-seater similar to the Bugatti Chiron. Tapie revealed that it will also be road-legal and employ a hybrid powertrain. Furthermore, there are hints of a third car being in the works, targeting a different segment.