Tag Archives: Delage

Motorsport

Delage Kicks Off Production Of $2.3-Million D12 Hypercar

# Delage Kicks Off Production Of $2.3-Million D12 Hypercar

The French automaker Delage, which had a strong reputation in the early 1900s, has officially started production of its D12 hypercar. After a hiatus of 70 years, Delage was “re-founded” in 2019 and CEO Laurent Tapie confirmed that four examples of the D12 have already been built. The company plans to produce a total of 30 D12 hypercars at its dedicated facility in Magny-Cours, France. However, it may take up to five years to complete the entire production run.

The Delage D12 is equipped with a 7.6-liter V12 engine and a single electric motor, giving it a total output of 1,100 horsepower and 794 pound-feet of torque. The hypercar features a carbon fiber monocoque chassis with a central seating position and a unique F1-derived “contractive” suspension system. This suspension setup, which eliminates anti-roll bars, is exclusive to the Delage brand and was previously used by McLaren and Ferrari F1 teams in the 90s.

The price of the Delage D12 is estimated to be around $2.3 million (€2.7 million) in the US, making it one of the 50 most expensive cars in the world. It is unclear if all 30 examples of the D12 have already been claimed.

In addition to the D12, Delage is also working on a second model for its range, which will be slightly more attainable and designed as a grand tourer two-seater, similar to the Bugatti Chiron. This model will also be road-legal and fast.

Overall, Delage’s re-entry into the automotive world with the D12 hypercar marks a significant milestone for the brand, and the company is continuing to expand its lineup with more exciting models in the future.

News

Delage D12: £1.7m hybrid hypercar enters production

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.