When visions of a car flaunting 600bhp and a cavernous 473-litre boot dance in your mind, you might instinctively leap to high-octane sedans, perhaps a muscle-laden rendition of the BMW M3. Yet, prepare to be astonished, because these sensational specifications belong not to a conventional four-door powerhouse but to the Ginetta Akula—a supercar beautifully born in the rolling hills of Yorkshire, U.K. This remarkable machine is a thrilling blend of a track-ready beast, a luxurious grand tourer, and a surprisingly practical hatchback. Launched in 2019, the Akula has undergone five years of relentless refinement, now gearing up for series production with an irresistible fusion of blistering performance and everyday practicality.
The Ginetta Akula’s aesthetic is nothing short of electrifying, drawing from the rich well of its racing lineage, particularly the awe-inspiring G61-LT-P1 Le Mans prototype. Its bold silhouette is meticulously crafted for aerodynamic mastery, boasting a formidable front splitter, fierce turning vanes, and an imposing rear wing. The underbelly features a flat carbon fibre floor that channels towering air under the vehicle, directing it towards a striking rear diffuser—all factors that ensure the Akula remains planted during high-speed adventures. Remarkably, this aerodynamic prowess doesn’t come at the cost of usability. Ginetta has ingeniously retained impressive storage capacity, a rarity in supercars of such caliber.
Far beyond just an exhilarating street machine, the Akula is bred with racing circuits in its DNA. Constructed around a robust carbon fibre monocoque and fortified with carbon fibre subframes at both the front and rear, it also incorporates a steel roll cage for extra safety assurance. The suspension system represents a pinnacle of racing engineering, featuring billet aluminium double wishbones complemented by electronically adaptive dampers and manually adjustable anti-roll bars. The vehicle’s braking power is race-inspired, featuring 360mm steel brake discs, with an enticing option to elevate to carbon ceramic brakes as part of an optional Race Pack. Even the standard brakes, plucked straight from Ginetta’s illustrious GT4 racing program, are more than capable, delivering performance on both the road and the racetrack.
At the very core of the Akula lies a 6.4-litre V8 engine, a masterpiece designed by Ginetta that unleashes a staggering 600bhp and a muscular 670Nm of torque. Sitting behind the front axle, this engine is seamlessly integrated so far back that a significant portion resides beneath the windscreen. This innovative “front-mid-engine” configuration, combined with a rear-wheel drive setup and a Ginetta limited-slip differential, provides an exceptional balance that is hard to rival. The Akula offers a choice between a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Weighing just 1,190kg, this formidable car blasts from 0 to 100km/h in a mere 2.9 seconds, rocketing toward a top speed that eclipses 290km/h—making it not only a powerhouse but also an aerodynamic masterpiece.
Inside, the Akula boasts a cockpit that seamlessly marries luxury with practical design. The fixed carbon fibre seats offer a race-car ambiance but are custom-fitted to each owner with foam padding tailored specifically to their physique. This exquisite padding extends to the transmission tunnel and door sides, enhancing comfort and support during exhilarating high-speed maneuvers. With the seats remaining fixed in place, both the pedal box and the carbon fibre steering wheel are adjustable, guaranteeing the driver remains in peak control. The interior is a stunning combination of carbon fibre and CNC-machined aluminium, with bespoke elements like uniquely crafted door handles and air vents. Despite its performance pedigree, the Akula doesn’t skimp on modern conveniences, featuring cup holders, a touchscreen infotainment system with iOS compatibility, wireless smartphone charging, and a heated windscreen.
The Akula’s practicality stretches well beyond its stylish design and sophisticated features. With a generous 100-litre fuel tank, it boasts an impressive range of up to 725 kilometers, thanks in part to a commendable fuel efficiency of approximately 20 miles per gallon—a rare achievement among supercars. Ginetta exemplifies its commitment to uniting performance with usability, illustrated by the vehicle’s ability to comfortably carry its driver across long-distance trips, such as a thrilling 1,900-kilometer round journey from Ginetta’s Leeds base to the renowned Nürburgring and back.
Tagging around €400,000, the Ginetta Akula comes with a hefty price tag. However, with production limited to a mere 20 units to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Ginetta's acquisition by Dr. Lawrence Tomlinson, it offers more than just mind-blowing performance—it provides exclusivity. In a realm where supercars often choose between speed and practicality, the Akula emerges as an extraordinary exemplar, delivering an extraordinary blend of both.
The Ginetta Akula is more than just a remarkable supercar—it’s a game-changer. Combining ferocity, agility, and race-ready tech with surprising versatility, it demonstrates that high performance and everyday functionality don’t need to exist in separate realms. Whether you’re powering through the N ürburgring or cruising along the most picturesque roads, the Akula boldly redefines what a supercar can be.