3D-printed Czinger 21C hypercar is a game changer | GRR
True genius is often elegant in its simplicity. That’s what the Czinger 21C brings to the table in the hypercar class. This American supercar does a lot of things differently, like the 1+1 seating arrangement with the passenger behind the driver like a fighter jet. That slims down the cockpit for improved airflow over the car.
The big talking point with the Czinger however, is how some of it is designed and made. Much of the car, including highly stressed componentry like suspension, braking and more, is 3D printed rather than milled or cast. This eliminates the need for expensive tooling and facilitates a refinement of the design process.
Video: Incredible 1,350PS Czinger 21C makes Goodwood debut
Take a suspension upright for instance, which conventionally is quite a bulky component. On the Czinger, the hard points and stress areas are put through a computer algorithm, which then generates a component that saves every possible gram of material where it isn’t needed while fortifying areas where it is. These pieces are curvaceous, almost organic-looking, like a prop on an alien spaceship in a sci-fi drama. The truth is that all of these parts are stronger, lighter and cheaper by orders of magnitude than anything that’s come before. The definition of the future.
Czinger’s design and manufacturing tech is patented and ought to change the automotive industry should manufacturers swallow their pride and drop them a line. Really, the 21C is as much a technical demonstrator as it is a commercial exercise. Obviously, it’s got over 1,200PS (883kW) from its hybridised twin-turbo V8 engine, it’s monstered the McLaren Senna for lap times, it looks incredible, generates mega downforce, is super rare (just 80 are being made) and costs the earth (£1.5million + tax) – it’s a proper hypercar. But it’s the legacy of this car and what’s gone into it that will matter the most. The Czinger could be the beginning of the future of how we build cars. Fantastic to see it in action at FOS in 2022.
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Photography by Pete Summers.