Let’s start by saying that we have no idea what the Delage D12 will cost when it finally goes into production. The vehicle is the headliner for the resurrected Delage marque and it’s a beast. In a very sleek, F1 sort of way. When (or if) it releases, it’ll be the fastest supercar allowed on conventional roads.
How fast, you ask? 360km/h, but you’re not supposed to drive it that fast anywhere outside of a track. But you’d probably make use of its bonkers acceleration at least once or twice. The Delage D12 is supposed to be able to reach 100km/h 2.4 seconds after a standing start.
D12 in the house
That sort of performance is the result of a dual powertrain system. There’s a 7.6-litre V12 engine in the back sending 832 Nm of torque and 976 horsepower to the wheels. But there’s also an electric motor stuffed in there. For the D12 GT edition, that motor bumps total power up to 1,100 horsepower. The Club edition ‘only’ tips the scales at 1,010 horsepower.
The D12 obviously takes loads of design inspiration from F1 vehicles, but there’s space for a second person behind the driver so there’s more of a fighter-jet comparison going on. A carbon fibre monocoque design further shows off the vehicle’s Formula 1 cred. The Speedster configuration, which calls for a halo and helmet (included in the price) continues the trend. But, if you want to feel like Tom Cruise, there’s also a closed cockpit version called, oddly, the F1.
The steering wheel also borrows from Formula 1, but with more of a suede or Alcantara finish. The Delage D12 is being designed with breaking the lap record at the Nürburgring. A contractive suspension system from F1 is included. Delage claims this is the first road-legal car to offer it. The carbon fibre wheels are designed to cool the brakes, which is apparently a thing that you need for the D12.
Maybe you can just cruise around town without banking off the corners, though. It’s supposed to be used in electric mode in the city. Hybrid is intended for the open road, and then there’s “hybrid with maximum power”. That’s only supposed to be unleashed on the track. Just don’t count on owning one. Only 30 of these French hybrid supercars will be made, though the timeline for production and delivery is murky. It’ll supposedly tackle the Nürburgring in 2023, so expect it sometime after that.