Behold all car and non-car people; the hypercar territory is about to get disrupted big time with Greek startup SP Automotive’s very own ‘Chaos’ with 3,000 hp!
It’s been a while since there’s been some sort of revelation or speculation in the auto industry, and the world could very much use an escape from the countless crossovers and SUV announcements. Interestingly, with several vehicles taking the electric route, the Greek gods decided to push the frontier for ICE development one last time with the ‘Chaos’ ultra-car.
However, SP Automotive’s outlandish design philosophies instantly capture the attention, even before you learn about the performance. For instance, its front fascia resembles the Devel Sixteen with its edgy lines and contours along with a low aerodynamic roof. Furthermore, there is a rather generous intake, quirky-looking DRLs, and air curtains visible on either side.
The side profile of the Chaos also reveals bespoke design elements such as 3D printed brake calipers, wheels, venturi floor bed, side skirts, air scoops, and close tolerance wheel arches — all in the pursuit of speed and efficiency. The rear end follows a similar story with a V-section roof, a diffuser, plus fancy vertical and horizontal taillight strips.
With the design overview out of the way, it’s time for what’s under the skin of the beast. According to the company’s website, the SP group leveraged the power of automobiles and aviation to form the basis of engineering the Chaos. Notably, the automaker’s founder Spyros Panopoulos already dabbled his hands in aviation and other crucial engineering departments.
Hence, the team decided that all structural and safety equipment will be made from carbon fiber composite, titanium, and Zylon, all commonly utilized in the aerospace industry. Furthermore, the startup says it would equip the Chaos with bespoke 3D-printed Magnesium wheels, Ti calipers, Ti suspension, and carbon-ceramic brakes.
The crown jewel of the Chaos, though, is the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V10 masterpiece in the middle. In the more civilized Earth model, it generates 2,050 hp and 1,024 lb-ft of torque. As a result, the ultra-car would accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) acceleration in just 1.9 seconds, or 0.1 seconds quicker than the Tesla Model S Plaid. Meanwhile, the quarter-mile run measures 8.1 seconds, much quicker than the exceptional Rimac Nevera.
Oh, but that was only the civilized Earth version — the real absurdity comes with the Zero Gravity model. Here, the V10 produces a staggering 3,064 hp and 1,463 lb-ft of torque! As a result, the Chaos accelerates to 62 mph in just 1.55 seconds and reaches the quarter-mile in mind-blowing 7.5 seconds. These numbers easily beat the current crop of performance EVs, and they probably also beat the upcoming Tesla Roadster.
As far as top speed and downforce metrics are concerned, the Chaos can hit a claimed top speed of 310 mph (500 km/h) or more. Meanwhile, it can generate more downforce than an F1 car. Hence, SP Automotive expects to shatter the production-car record at the Nürburgring.
The SP Automotive Chaos would cost a hefty $7.3m for the Earth version and $16m for the Zero Gravity model! However, the world’s first “ultra-car” seems like a long way from production, even at that price. The startup still hasn’t decided on many parts; for instance, it says the dual-clutch transmission would have “seven or eight gears,” and designing a gearbox for a 3,000+ hp engine isn’t a small feat.
Besides, it’s not the first time that some startup claims it works on the world’s fastest car, only to come short in the end, like the Devel Sixteen.
Let’s give the beasty Chaos the benefit of the doubt, though!
Gallery: SP Automotive Chaos
Download 2.5M+ car repair manuals here!
