Denmark, 24 February 2025 – The development of Zenvo Automotive’s highly anticipated Aurora hypercar has taken a significant step forward with the confirmation of Ricardo as its official transmission partner. The British engineering powerhouse, renowned for its expertise in high-performance gearboxes, will collaborate with Zenvo’s engineering team to refine the Aurora’s drivetrain, ensuring an exhilarating and precise driving experience. With the first dynamic prototypes set to debut later this spring, the programme is entering a critical phase of development.
Ricardo’s Expertise to Drive Hypercar Innovation
Headquartered in Shoreham-by-Sea, England, Ricardo has an extensive track record of supplying cutting-edge transmissions to some of the world’s most advanced supercars and hypercars. Their expertise will be instrumental in delivering the Aurora’s seven-speed hybridised gearbox, designed to seamlessly integrate with the hypercar’s two- and four-wheel-drive configurations. This advanced transmission system will play a pivotal role in managing the monumental power output of up to 1,850bhp and 1,500Nm of torque.
“Ricardo has been integral to the performance of some of the world’s most high-performing and exciting cars in recent years. They understand exactly what it takes to deliver engineering precision and driver engagement,” explains Jon Gunner, Chief Technical Officer at Zenvo Automotive. “The Aurora programme gains momentum each week and is now entering a critical phase. Bringing Ricardo on board as a technical partner is a major milestone as we continue to push the envelope of performance. From here, we will continue to challenge convention as the development programme gears up, ahead of the first engine fire-up.”
Powering the Future of Hypercars
At the heart of the Zenvo Aurora lies the bespoke 6.6-litre quad-turbo V12 engine, aptly named ‘Mjølner’ after the mythical hammer of Thor. Paired with Ricardo’s state-of-the-art transmission, this powertrain will deliver an unprecedented blend of power, agility, and engagement, solidifying Zenvo’s commitment to redefining the hypercar landscape.
The Aurora’s drivetrain will be available in both a four-wheel-drive and a rear-wheel-drive configuration, ensuring that drivers can experience optimal performance across different driving conditions, whether on the road or the racetrack. Ricardo’s advanced engineering solutions will be pivotal in maximising efficiency and power delivery, making the Aurora one of the most formidable road cars ever created.
A Shared Commitment to Excellence
Richard Guest, Managing Director – Performance Products at Ricardo, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration: “We are delighted to have been named as the transmission partner for the Zenvo Aurora programme. Like Zenvo Automotive, Ricardo takes a no-compromise approach to delivering performance for our clients, and so we are thrilled to be able to bring our extensive experience in transmission and driveline innovation to this programme. We look forward to supporting the development of Zenvo’s lightest and most powerful road car yet.”
As Zenvo Automotive continues its relentless pursuit of automotive perfection, the partnership with Ricardo marks a crucial step in the realisation of the Aurora’s groundbreaking performance. With first dynamic prototypes on the horizon, the world waits in anticipation for the unveiling of a hypercar that promises to set new benchmarks in engineering, power, and driving exhilaration.
