Apollo Exec Thinks Modern Hypercars Are Too Easy To Drive

That won't be the case with the Apollo Intensa Emozione being developed by creators of the Gumpert Apollo supercar. It is being designed as a homage to classic hardcore GT1 racing cars from the 1990s that were a handful to drive. "Our favorite days were the GT1 days of the 1990s," he told Motor1 during the car's UK debut event before the full debut at this week's Goodwood Festival of Speed. "We like a raw, scary kind of car that takes some skill to drive. Cars now are becoming almost too capable – it dilutes the driving experience."

The Apollo IE will be a true driver's car, as will every future car developed by the low-volume manufacturer. "Everyone is chasing numbers," Berris continued. "But there comes a point where you can't do anything with the car. The problem we see today is that everyone is so disconnected. It's like you can become a pro within 30 minutes of driving." Apollo clearly wants the Intensa Emozione to be a car that requires skill to push to the limit. The hypercar generates tons of downforce, and even the gearbox will require skill to operate. "The six-speed sequential gearbox is the same one you'd find in a Le Mans car – there's a clutch to get in and out of first but then it's straight up and down. We know it can take 24 hours of punishment, but it still takes skill to use."

Apollo recently announced it's partnering with German motorsports company HWA AG to apply the finishing touches to the extreme hypercar. Founded in 1998 as an offshoot of AMG, HWA AG was also responsible for helping develop the mighty Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR. Only 10 examples of the Intensa Emozione are being built, each powered by a 6.3-liter V12 engine producing 780 hp.