Danish hypercar-maker, Zenvo Automotive, will shortly fire up the ‘Mjølner’ – the most powerful V12 engine ever fitted to a production roadcar. The carefully crafted, hand-built 6.6-litre unit has 4 turbochargers and produces 1,250 bhp which is boosted to 1,850 bhp with the hybrid electric powertrain.
Aurora programme
Developed with the team at MAHLE Powertrain, the product of the Aurora programme and an extensive testing phase will soon commence ahead of the first prototypes entering testing.
“A key part of the Aurora programme is around delivering an emotional connection for drivers and passengers, designed to stimulate the senses,” explained Jens Sverdrup, Zenvo Automotive’s Chairman. “At Zenvo, we are a team of passionate, genuine ‘car guys’, and it is not every day that a V12 engine is born, so it is very proud moment and very exciting to finally showcase Mjølner.”
“The fact it is the world’s most powerful roadcar engine was not something we set out to achieve, but is a result of us pushing what we know is possible. This is a hugely important milestone, and the next step will see – and hear! – it come to life, and it has been designed to deliver at every level, which shows the progress we continue to make,” he added.
The design of Mjølner is based on experience and proven practices within the roadcar segment, whilst pushing the boundaries of performance. This engine has been carefully considered in all aspects from the initial design phase, from driver engagement and comfort, through to meeting current and future emissions regulations around the world.
Not motorsport-derived
Despite its high performance levels, with its 9,800 rpm redline, this is a bespoke engine developed specifically for the road, rather than being some more compromised when motorsport-derived. The engine will use the MAHLE Jet Ignition system, which has been in development at MAHLE Powertrain for over a decade and is a key enabler for ‘Lambda1’ operation. This will be pre-requisite for future emissions requirements.
This engine, in V12 format, is the first implementation of this new modular architecture from Zenvo Automotive. From here, the concept will continue to be developed and used in different layouts across future product lines and models within the Zenvo family.
“Seeing the hardware come together to start the next phase of engine testing is a real achievement. It is a true testament to our engineers and the way they have risen to this challenge, developing a road engine unlike anything else in the world. It really showcases their expertise, pushed to the absolute maximum across our business. We are so close to hearing the soundtrack of the Mjølner engine, and everyone is waiting with anticipation to hear that first roar into life. It will be a defining moment in automotive history,” said John Hollingworth, Sales & Marketing Director of MAHLE Powertrain which has its factory in the UK.
