Here we are, back with another unknown supercar!
This time, the supercar in question, the Shayton Equilibrium, is relatively new, but chances are still high that you have never heard of it. And as always, we are here to tell you everything there is to know about it.
The Shayton Brand
Shayton Automotive is a Slovenian automobile manufacturer established in 2011, operating under the Provoco Group’s umbrella. Unapologetically, the brand’s main self-admitted goal is to become one of the world’s leading hypercar manufacturers of the 21st century.
The Provoco Group is a European creative agency that provides a platform and support to young minds with an idea. The Group’s founder and CEO, Mr. Andrej Stanta, is a visionary designer who has worked hard on the Equilibrium project. It is his vision and creative thinking that have led to the birth of this incredible supercar.
Under the Skin
Promising to develop one of the best supercars on the market, Shayton Automotive made sure to give the Equilibrium more than a fighting chance. The Equilibrium features a fire-breathing rear-mid-mounted V12 engine, expected to produce 1,084 horsepower (808 kW) and 686 lb-ft (930 Nm) of torque. Unfortunately, details such as engine displacement, induction method, or possible use of electric assistance are scarce, and the manufacturer hasn’t disclosed any official specs either.
However, we know that the brand aims for a 0-60 mph time of just over three seconds, a 0 to 124 mph time of 8.9 seconds, and a top speed of 250 mph (400 km/h).
Stopping power comes courtesy of high-performance brake systems manufacturer Brembo, supplying carbon-ceramic brakes good enough to stop this monster. Simultaneously, Akrapovic is tasked with providing a titanium exhaust system for the glorious V12 engine.
The choice of well-established and reliable third parties to supply vital components makes sure that said components are not only strong and of high-quality but also as light as possible. Due to this, Shayton has claimed that the Equilibrium weighs 2,640 lbs (1,200 kg). Moreover, strategically placed components around the vehicle’s dimensions result in a weight distribution ratio of 47/53, front/back. Equal weight distribution plays a huge role in the handling dynamics of a vehicle.
The suspension is made out of forged aluminum, while the chassis features a unique blend of carbon and titanium. In a lot of ways, it is similar to Pagani’s carbo-titanium structure. This material is a composite structure that is more advanced than the materials Formula One cars use. This structure’s win-win nature allows for exceptional strength and rigidity while retaining the same weight as conventional carbon fiber.
Extreme measures, such as the use of lightweight carbon/titanium wheels, have been taken to reduce the un-sprung mass of the Equilibrium. They are sized at 9 x 20-inch at the front and 12.5 x 21 at the rear and come wrapped in Pirelli PZero rubber.
Styling Features
The design language is one aspect where the Shayton Equilibrium really comes into its own. The car looks straight out of a video game, and rightly so. Shayton claims to be going for such an image. Moreover, the company has also been overwhelmed with requests from video game makers interested in including the Equilibrium in their respective products.
The Equilibrium features a modern and forward-thinking design language that alluringly incorporates beauty and performance. Since the brand is relatively new, it has no other historical cars that can lend important or classic design cues to the Equilibrium. Consequently, every aspect of the supercar’s design feels fresh and innovative. The brand even claims the Equilibrium’s design to be the “essence of supercars in the 21st century.”
In terms of aggressiveness, the Equilibrium stands true to the majestic beast on its logo. The car’s front fascia features a smooth-flowing hood flanked by a small two-part air intake present in the front bumper. There are also canards, or vortex generators present, helping to reduce understeer and generate additional downforce.
The Equilibrium’s side profile features a large air intake behind the door and another smaller opening just above it; both vents supply the V12 engine in the back with sufficient air. Another opening is just behind the front wheels used to relieve some pressure from the wheel wells at high speed. In addition to performing their intended functions, these openings also contribute to the supercar’s macho design language.
From the rear, the Equilibrium is rather flamboyant; quad-taillights and an intricate grille design are enough to attract passersby’s attention. If that does not do the trick, the sound of the screaming V12 out of the Akrapovic exhaust system will definitely work. Speaking of the V12, it is on full display through a glass engine cover. There is also a carbon fiber diffuser and an active rear wing that generates 750 kg of downforce at 300 km/h. Shayton says the wing has several uses; in addition to generating extra downforce, it can also act as an air brake when needed.
The styling features described above are of the original model that debuted in 2011. However, Shayton has also released an improved design on 21st December 2012 that includes minor improvements to the exterior design features and slightly more prominent changes to the Equilibrium’s cabin. The most noticeable change is a new redesigned center console that now sits higher and a lot more pronounced than before.
Continuing with the lightweight theme, all body panels of the Equilibrium are entirely made of carbon fiber. The doors open in a way as to represent a falcon spreading its wings. Once inside, you’ll find one of the most luxurious interiors ever fitted to a car. The elegant and sporty cabin is primarily focused on the driver, with all the essential controls being ergonomically positioned.
The Equilibrium also makes use of many exotic materials such as carbon fiber, brushed aluminum, leather, and Alcantara. The door lining, parts of the center console, and the glove compartment cover are adorned with quilted leather. And, of course, Recaro racing bucket seats provide the best driving experience possible.
What Happened to the Equilibrium?
Initially, Shayton had announced plans to make around 20 units a year, each priced at over a million Euros ($1.4 million). Despite the launch of a revised version in 2012, those plans never materialized. Not even a single prototype has been built until now. All images of the Equilibrium are computer-generated models. However, the brand is still hopeful and actively working on achieving its goal.
The main problem faced by the startup was a lack of funds. With that being said, Shayton bragged about receiving potential orders from certain famous personalities from Formula One, music, football, and the film industry. But we are assuming that things are not too bad down at Shayton HQ; a roadmap on the company’s website indicates that it is almost halfway through the strenuous process of delivering the first Equilibrium. The only milestones left are finding a business partner, manufacturing partner, developing a prototype, marketing the prototype, setting up a production line, and other pre-production activities before delivery — so pretty much everything aside from the design part.
Shayton is also currently looking for investments and major business partners to expand operations. In an investment pitch on Shayton’s website, it claims to have partnerships and alliances with several parts suppliers worldwide. There is also an estimated development time of 10 months for the prototype and an additional 12 months to set up a production line.
Last Words
The Shayton Equilibrium is much more than just another addition to the already overcrowded market of modern supercars. It is even much more than a supercar. Shayton is offering a lifestyle to its customers, a lifestyle that is highly addictive in nature.
The only criticism we have from the Equilibrium is its V12 engine. Don’t get me wrong, who does not love a screaming V12. But such a humongous and high-polluting engine does not necessarily fit into the brand’s motto – “essence of supercar in the 21st century.” To be fair, though, the Equilibrium was first released back in 2011, and the automotive world has come leaps and bounds ahead since then.
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