British sports car manufacturer Ginetta unveiled the Akula at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2019. Initially, the company pledged to commence customer deliveries by January 2020, a promise that went unfulfilled. However, the niche brand has now rectified this by showcasing a production version. While it may not be the most aesthetically pleasing supercar on the market, the technical specifications are quite compelling.
The Ginetta Akula is powered by a mid-mounted, naturally aspirated 6.4-liter V-8 engine, an upgrade from the original 6.0-liter unit. The road-ready model retains its 600 horsepower but sees a reduction in torque by 26 pound-feet, settling at a robust 494 pound-feet. In an era dominated by turbocharging and electrification, this output may not seem particularly impressive. Nevertheless, the Akula stands out by being lighter than most performance cars, weighing in at just 2,624 pounds thanks to its carbon fiber monocoque and floor, making it only 172 pounds heavier than a Miata RF.
Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox, though customers have the option to choose a dual-clutch, seven-speed automatic transmission. Ginetta equips the Akula with an in-house developed limited-slip differential and offers optional carbon-ceramic brakes for enhanced stopping power. As we approach 2024, a year when nearly every automaker is embracing hybrid or electric powertrains, the Akula's 'old-school' formula proves to be remarkably swift, achieving 0 to 62 mph in just 2.9 seconds and topping out at over 180 mph. The car features a balanced weight distribution across its axles, supported by a double wishbone suspension and 20-inch wheels.
Despite prioritizing performance, Ginetta also designed the Akula to function as a grand tourer, providing a generous cargo capacity of 16.7 cubic feet. It includes an electronically adjustable steering column and pedal box, along with a sizable 26.4-gallon fuel tank, significantly larger than the 18.5 gallons of a Corvette C8. Under normal driving conditions, the Akula can cover up to 450 miles on a single tank of fuel.
Only 20 units will be produced, and as expected, the Leeds-built Akula commands a high price. Ginetta is asking for £275,000, excluding taxes and shipping, which translates to approximately $362,300 at current exchange rates. While many build slots have already been claimed, a limited number remain available. Notably, the asking price has significantly decreased from the initial £340,000 ($448,000).
The name Akula, derived from the Russian word for 'shark,' aptly reflects the car's pointed design. The aerodynamic components were tested in a wind tunnel and are based on the Ginetta G61-LT-P1 LMP1 race car.
