The world of boutique supercars is vast, littered by the beautiful, the bizarre, and the outrageously fast. Exclusivity and performance bragging rights win the day here, which leads to creations like this four-wheeled spaceship before you. If you’re drawing a blank on the name, not to worry. Zenvo Automotive is a small manufacturer based out of Denmark, and it’s only been around for about a decade, hence the 10th Anniversary bit to the title. Best known for creating the ST1, the two-door mid-engine supercar that caught on fire during testing on an episode of Top Gear, Zenvo has been putting in work to bring the brand the “right” kinda press. The latest effort is this, a one-off bespoke iteration of the ST1 bearing fresh exterior paint, oodles of carbon fiber, and four-digit power. The model debuted earlier this year at the Geneva International Motor Show, and it costs well over a million dollars.

The TS1 GT 10th Anniversary LE was built to pay homage to Zenvo’s history and Danish roots. As such, the company nicknamed it Sleipnir (pronounced “sleep-near”), which might sound kind of goofy until you learn that Sleipnir was the name given to the eight-legged horse that Odin, King of the Norse gods, rode around on while he was, you know, doing god stuff. “Sleipnir was ‘the fastest and best horse among gods and men,’” says Zenvo, so you can probably guess where this is going.

Continue reading to learn more about the Zenvo TS1 GT.

Exterior

One quick glance at this thing, and it’s hard to pinpoint anything dramatically different in terms of exterior styling. The same basic shape and lines are retained compared to the “standard” model, with an aggressive, bigger-is-better attitude used for the individual features. The headlights, for example, aren’t ultra-thin stripes laid against the fenders like we’re used to, but rather large, four-sided shapes studded by a descending row of oval light pods. LEDs are used for the lighting elements. Striking, for sure, but it’s the central intake that really dominates the car’s front end, force feeding atmosphere into the nose and up through two vents in the hood. The front splitter extends from the sides and towards the wheel wells, with a honeycomb insert finished in black used for filler.

Along the sides is a prominent top shoulder line, complemented by large lower creases and an extended side skirt. In back is a spoiler that seems to rise from the rear fenders, extending the decklid with purpose. Zenvo also says the car uses an enclosed underbody, and you can rest assured the whole thing was tweaked and tuned for downforce.

Zenvo also suggest the exterior styling mimics a “fist in a velvet glove,” something that’s “assertive, not aggressive.” Regardless of the accuracy of that statement, the whole thing is made from carbon fiber, which is pretty much par for the course in this segment. Showing off all that delicious weave are unpainted sections on the hood and roof.

Helping to solidify the TS1 GT 10th Anniversary LE’s exclusivity is the exterior paint job, a hue the company has dubbed Fjord Blue. This is another nod to the car’s Scandinavian heritage, and we think it looks great. Sure, it’s bright and screaming for attention, but isn’t that exactly what you want from a one-off supercar?

Offsetting the blue hue are copper-bronze stripes, which were added to the hood and roof. This color was also used for the “Z10 Anniversary” lettering added to the lower front aero blade. Once again, the color is a historically noteworthy cue, as copper-bronze was a significant technology in Danish history, particularly in use on chariots. “Bronze was the carbon fiber of its age,” says Zenvo, “and provided a technical advancement which allowed the unparalleled growth of the Vikings and the Scandinavian region.”

Note: exterior dimensions are for Zenvo ST1, and should accurately reflect those of this limited edition vehicle.

Interior

Inside the Zenvo, you’ll find a cabin space highlighted by lots of geometric shapes, bare carbon fiber, high-end materials, and bright, body-colored accent pieces. The hexagonal shape used for the front intake is also present here, included on the side air vents, the door paneling upholstery, buttons on the central tunnel, and even the steering wheel. In addition to the Fjord Blue coloring incorporated onto the upholstery, Zenvo also made sure to include the exterior’s copper highlights for a little extra spice.

And while it wouldn’t be a surprise if this thing was a stripped-down, no-nonsense racer with a cockpit as spartan as, say, a Lotus Exige or Ferrari F40, the Zenvo is actually quite well equipped. Standout features include dual-zone climate control, a customized TFT-LCD display for the gauges behind the steering wheel, a custom touchscreen in the central dash, and GPS navigation. There’s also Bluetooth support, hands-free infotainment operation, and a Zenvo audio system supporting FM/DAB radio, iPod connectivity, and more. Meanwhile, the lightweight carbon fiber seats are electrically adjustable, and there’s cruise control and electric windows, plus a full airbag system in case you get it wrong. Zenvo even boasts the two-seater can hold up to 135 liters (4.77 cubic feet) of stuff with the front luggage compartment filled, and it’s got a 69-liter (18.2-gallon) fuel tank.

Engine And Drivetrain

Zenvo hasn’t given us exact numbers on what the TS1 GT 10th Anniversary Limited Edition can do performance wise, but it’s pretty safe to assume it’s rocking more or less the same engine and specs as the “standard” model. As such, let’s take a look at what that car has to get a better idea about this one-off model.

Mounted in the middle of the car is a 5.8-liter flat plane crank V-8 engine created using an all-alloy construction. Providing the boost is a twin-supercharger system that feeds charge air through a two-piece air-to-air intercooler. Providing the dino juice is a sequential fuel injection system with custom engine management, while a dry sump lubrication and piston spray oil cooling system keeps it all from going boom.

All told, power output is rated at a staggering 1,163 horsepower at 7,700 rpm and 1,100 Nm (811 pound-feet) at 7,700 rpm. Amazingly, the car still qualifies for the Euro 6 super low emissions rating.

Zenvo says the TS1 GT 10th Anniversary LE gets a “unique proprietary drivetrain with ultra-fast advanced gear-shift,” but declines to outline what exactly that means. As such, let’s briefly touch on the two transmission options offered on the “standard” model.

Both gearboxes are seven-speed sequential units that connect to a Torsen limited-slip differential. The first is called the Hyper-Grand Tourer Transmission, offering more of a laid-back and comfort-oriented feel for the driver. Standout features include synchro engagement rings and helical gears, 240 mm carbon-type twin-disc clutch, and paddle operation. Then there’s the Sports Transmission, which gets helical-cut gears, a CIMA gearbox with dog engagement rings and helical gears, twin-disc 240 mm carbon-type clutch, and paddle shifters with in-house developed electro-hydraulic shifting. The TS1 GT 10th Anniversary LE also offers multiple drive modes, plus a bespoke launch control system.

The result of all this go-fast gear is a breathtaking 2.8 seconds to reach 60 mph, while top speed is electronically limited at 233 mph. Ask nicely, and rumor has it Zenvo will delete the limiter, giving a top speed of 250 mph.

Suspension, Handling And Chassis

Underneath the bright blue bodywork and carbon fiber panels, you’ll find a lightweight monocoque chassis constructed from steel and aluminum, plus lightweight steel subframes in front and in back. The suspension is composed of double wishbones fitted with multi-adjustable, 3-way manually adjustable shocks from KW with shock-mounted springs. Further tunability is offered with the manually adjustable composite steel anti-roll bars, and there’s an electro-hydraulic lift system to help navigate real world streets.

The steering is a rack-and-pinion set-up, with speed-sensitive assistance and 2.2 turns lock-to-lock. The brakes are mammoth 395 mm (15.6 inch) carbon ceramic discs in front pinched by six-piston calipers, while the rear incorporates 380 mm (15 inch) carbon ceramics, also with six-piston calipers. Both ABS and ESP assists are included, but Zenvo performed a little special tuning magic to make them right. There’s also an electrically actuated handbrake.

Curb weight tips the scales at 1,710 kg (3,770 pounds), which is a bit portly for this segment, but not terribly so. The mass is distributed with 46 percent in front and 54 percent in the rear.

Prices

The Zenvo TS1 GT 10th Anniversary Limited Edition debuted at the 2017 Geneva International Auto Show. Production is limited at one unit. Pricing is well above the $1 million mark ($1.25 million estimated). For the money, Zenvo says it will customize the car to the tastes of the owner.

Conclusion

To my eye, the Zenvo TS1 leaves much to be desired in terms of exterior styling, but the car’s performance specs are undeniably impressive. Any time a car gets power levels in the four-digit range, it’s hard not to stand up and take notice, and with a top speed around the 250 mph mark, Zenvo’s performance chops seem assured.

The bigger question is why someone would choose this thing over all the other boutique supercars on the market. Putting the whole bursting into flames thing to one side (I’m sure Zenvo has that worked out by now), how is this car more desirable than, say, a Koenigsegg, or an Apollo, or an Arash, or any of the other options out there? The answer to that can’t be found in a spec sheet or set of performance numbers – rather, it’s in the mind of the kind of person willing to plunk down seven figures to park one in his or her garage.