Just about every week the automotive world is wowed by some or other limited-edition hypercar. But not many of them can carry four people. Say hello to the Naran Hyper Coupe, which is the brainchild of Zimbabwean entrepreneur Ameerh Naran. The one-time single-seat racer has been dreaming of creating his very own hypercar, and he took one step closer to that reality this week with the debut of his creation. The Naran Hyper Coupe will challenge the likes of the Koenigsegg Gemera (which you can read about here).

Follow Double Apex on Instagram and Facebook where we share more car content.

Order from our online store and take advantage of free delivery in South Africa on orders over R349.

BMW based

Just 49 examples of the Naran Hyper Coupe will be built under the Naran Automotive label. The starting point for this exercise is a BMW 8 Series. All other aspects are said to be bespoke, including the lightweight body, subframes and double wishbone, rose-jointed suspension. The 2+2 hyper coupe is said to deliver a GT3-like driving experience for the road and track. The numbers are suitably impressive.

Big numbers

A twin-turbocharged 5,0-litre V8 motor develops 781 kW of power and 1 036 N.m of torque. The engine starts life as a BMW M5 unit that is then bored out and massaged by German racing specialists Racing Dynamics. The motor is mounted in a front-mid layout and drives all four wheels, with the option of rear-wheel drive. Naran Automotive says its creation will sprint from rest to 100 km/h in under 2,5 seconds, to 160 km/h in 4,5 and will reach 322 km/h (200 mph) 16,5 seconds after leaving the line. They say it’ll do 370 km/h flat out.

Controlling wheel movement is a four-way adjustable Ohlins coilover set-up as used in in GT3 racecars. The suspension as well as the anti-roll bars can be tailored to each owner’s specific driving style. 22-inch carbon-aluminium wheels sit at each corner, which cover AP Racing carbon-ceramic brake discs.

Arresting appearance

The exterior shape was penned by Jowyn Wong, founder of Wyn Design and the man behind the Apollo IE and De Tomaso P72. Former Aston Martin Lagonda designer Kate Montgomery will be responsible for the interior treatment. Part of Wyn’s job is to help incorporate the 1 377 kg of downforce that the car is said to deliver.

In his own words

Ameerh Naran, CEO and founder of Naran Automotive, said: “With The Naran, we are creating a unique ownership experience and a new perspective on shared driving experiences – a GT3-inspired, driver-focused, front-mid engined 2+2 hyper-coupé, that delivers unrivalled material innovation and a commitment to reviving the analogue driving experience. The Naran is the true embodiment of art on wheels, designed and developed by some of the greatest minds in the industry.”