The model's history is significant not only as an example of engineering maximalism but also as another attempt to revive a brand with a complex past.
From Audi and Rallying to Its Own Supercar
The origins of the Apollo brand are closely tied to Roland Gumpert — an engineer who played a key role in Audi's rally successes. After many years with the company, in the early 2000s, he decided to create his own car, focused primarily on the racetrack.
This led to the Gumpert Apollo — an extreme supercar officially road-legal but essentially akin to a race car. Production was limited: only 44 cars were built over several years. This was insufficient for a sustainable business, and in 2013, the company ceased operations.
Revival Under a New Name
In 2016, the assets were acquired by an Asian investment consortium, after which the brand was renamed Apollo Automobil. Along with this, the technical philosophy shifted. While early models used eight-cylinder Audi engines, new projects emphasized naturally aspirated V12s.
The first such car was the Apollo Intensa Emozione. It featured a 6.3-liter engine tuned to around 780 horsepower. Production was limited to ten units, each hand-assembled.
Project Evo: The Next Step
Continuing the concept, Project Evo is a fully track-oriented version conceived as an evolution of the IE. Development was delayed, partly due to involvement of a third-party partner responsible for assembly. This refers to HWA, well-known for Mercedes projects and historically linked to AMG's origins.
Despite the delays, in early 2026, it was announced that the first Evo unit is in the final assembly stage. A total of 10 cars are planned.
Engineering and Aerodynamics
Project Evo again employs a naturally aspirated V12 engine without turbocharging. Its power has been increased to approximately 800 horsepower. Acceleration to 100 km/h is estimated at around 2.7 seconds, but the key metric for this model is lap times rather than straight-line speed.
The body is designed with maximum downforce as the priority. Aerodynamics play a central role, and the aggressive design with distinctive X-shaped elements makes the car resemble an experimental prototype more than a production vehicle.
Hand Assembly and Customization
Each Project Evo is hand-assembled. One car requires at least 1,200 hours of work. Special attention is given to painting: for complex multi-layer colors, the process can take an additional 600 hours.
Detailed technical specifications and interior details will be revealed at a separate presentation. For now, it is known that the cabin follows a strictly racing-oriented design, without compromises for comfort.
Conclusion
The launch of Apollo Project Evo production confirms that the niche for extreme naturally aspirated supercars remains viable. The project combines a rare engineering philosophy today, minimal production runs, and an almost artistic approach to design. Time will tell about the sustainability of such a business, but the model's entry into production is already a notable event in the world of exclusive automobiles.
