For enthusiasts, the Apollo IE is more than just a hypercar—it’s a statement of pure driving passion. Unveiled in 2017, the Apollo Intensa Emozione (IE) immediately stunned the supercar world with its ferocious 6.3-liter V12 and wildly sculpted body. Named for the Italian phrase meaning “Intense Emotion”, the IE lives up to its name: a car with a soul whose design triggers visceral reactions. Its aerodynamic silhouette – inspired by nature’s fiercest predators and flyers – is as functional as it is ferocious. Today, only 10 of these hand-built hypercars exist, making the IE a rare trophy for collectors.
Origins and Development
Apollo Automobil’s roots go back to 2004, when former Audi Sport engineer Roland Gumpert founded Gumpert Sportwagenmanufaktur to build street-legal racers. The original Gumpert Apollo made a name by breaking speed records – including a Nürburgring lap record in 2009 – solidifying Apollo’s reputation for extreme performance.
After financial turmoil and a brief closure, the company was revived in 2016 as Apollo Automobil GmbH. By 2017, Apollo’s new team, including designer Joe Wong, was ready to launch a radical successor: the Intensa Emozione. A teaser arrived in mid-October, followed by the official debut on October 24, 2017.
Development was handled by Manifattura Automobili Torino (MAT), specialists in low-volume supercars. Later, Apollo partnered with HWA AG, a German engineering powerhouse tied to Mercedes-AMG, to finalize the project. With a price of roughly €2.3 million (or $2.7M USD), and a strict limit of 10 units, the Apollo IE was sold out before the first customer delivery.
Exterior Design: Nature-Inspired Aerodynamics
The Apollo IE’s design is a study in biomimicry. Every curve and vent serves an aerodynamic purpose while channeling the raw, organic shapes found in nature. The designers drew inspiration from marine animals and insects, creating a body that flows like a predator in motion
A massive rear wing, deep front splitters, and sculpted side intakes work together to generate about 1,350 kg of downforce at speed. The overall shape is both theatrical and purposeful—created to maximize airflow, cooling, and grip, while visually shocking onlookers.
Interior and Driver-Focused Cockpit
Inside, the Apollo IE is a racecar at heart. The cockpit is wrapped in carbon fiber with fixed shell seats built into the monocoque. A quick-release steering wheel and a roof-mounted touchscreen for controls replace traditional switches and dials.
There’s no excess. The interior is tightly focused on performance: lightweight materials, essential controls, and an intimate, fighter-jet-like driving position. The experience is immersive, analog, and designed to put the driver at the center of everything.
Engineering and Performance
At its heart lies a 6.3-liter naturally aspirated V12, developed by Autotecnica Motori and refined by HWA. The engine produces 780 horsepower, 760 Nm of torque, and screams all the way to a 9,000 rpm redline. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a 6-speed sequential Hewland gearbox with paddle shifters.
Thanks to extensive use of carbon fiber, the IE weighs only 1,250 kg, giving it a power-to-weight ratio that rivals any modern hypercar. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.7 seconds, with a top speed around 335 km/h.
Chassis, Suspension, and Brake
The Apollo IE uses a full carbon-fiber monocoque chassis that weighs just 105 kg, meeting LMP2 racing standards without needing a roll cage. Suspension is handled by three-way adjustable Bilstein dampers and double wishbones, offering race-level precision and customization.
Braking comes from Brembo carbon-ceramic discs with 6-piston calipers in the front and 4-piston units in the rear. Michelin Sport Cup 2 tires ensure maximum grip, making the IE as confident in corners as it is explosive in a straight line.
Limited Production and Collector Appeal
Only 10 Apollo IE units were ever built, making it one of the rarest hypercars on the planet. Each one was custom-built to order, and all were sold before production concluded.
Its rarity, outrageous performance, and pure analog character have made it a favorite among collectors. In the few cases where an IE has been resold, prices have exceeded original values—proof of its growing legend.
Emotional and Cultural Significance
The Apollo IE is a love letter to old-school, analog hypercars. It rejects hybrid tech, turbochargers, and digital distractions in favor of raw power, screaming revs, and driver focus. With no traction control and minimal driver aids, it delivers a pure, visceral connection between car and human.
This is a car built for enthusiasts—those who crave the noise, the danger, the drama. It’s a defiant statement in an era of silent EVs and autonomous tech. The Apollo IE isn’t just fast — it’s emotional. It reminds us why we fell in love with cars in the first place.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Apollo IE stand for?
“IE” stands for Intensa Emozione, Italian for “Intense Emotion.” The name reflects the car’s purpose: to deliver a raw, emotional driving experience.
How many Apollo IEs were produced?
Only 10 units were built, making the Apollo IE one of the rarest hypercars ever made.
What engine does the Apollo IE use?
It uses a naturally aspirated 6.3-liter V12 that produces 780 hp and 760 Nm of torque, revving up to 9,000 rpm.
What is the top speed of the Apollo IE?
The Apollo IE reaches a top speed of approximately 335 km/h (208 mph) and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.7 seconds.
Is the Apollo IE street-legal?
Yes. Despite its extreme design and track-ready hardware, the Apollo IE was developed to be road legal and meets all necessary compliance standards.
