This is the most powerful V12 engine ever mounted in a street car – INTERVIEW

A V12 that does everything else

“It’s not every day that you get to develop a V12 engine,” Jens Sverdrup begins with a broad grin. “Mjølner is a project that was born out of pure passion. We didn’t just want power. We wanted emotion, experience – an engine that excites your senses, that you hear, feel and even smell when you accelerate.”

The numbers are nothing short of astounding: with four turbochargers alone, Mjølner produces 918 kW (1,250 hp). Combined with electric hybrid technology, that rises to a whopping 1,359 kW (1,850 hp). All of that intended for use on public roads.

From motorsport to ease of use

“What makes this block unique is that it is not derived from a race car,” Jens explains. “This is a V12 designed from scratch with daily use in mind. Yes, it is extreme, with a redline of 9,800 rpm, but it is surprisingly usable and meets the strictest emission standards – now and in the future.”

The latter is due in part to MAHLE’s innovative Jet Ignition technology. John Hollingworth of MAHLE Powertrain adds: “MAHLE has been developing that technology for over a decade. It allows us to run the engine at Lambda1 – crucial for future emission standards worldwide.”

An ode to technology and emotion

Mjølner is not only a technical feat, but also an emotional milestone. “At Zenvo it’s all about driver involvement,” Jens emphasizes. “We want you to feel it – every vibration, every explosion in the cylinders. That’s why we don’t want a dull electric hum, but a dramatic orchestra of sounds. We set the volume to eleven.”

The collaboration with MAHLE Powertrain, who build the engine and hybrid systems in Northampton, UK, proved crucial. “It really was a ‘labor of love,'” says John. “Our engineers bit into every technical obstacle. We wanted something that didn’t exist yet. Now we are about to hear it for real – the moment Mjølner roars for the first time, that will be historic.”

Modular motor architecture for the future

What makes Mjølner even more special is that it does not stop at this one engine block. In fact, Zenvo is introducing an entirely new, modular engine architecture with this V12. This basis will also be used in the future for other configurations within the Zenvo range.

“This is just the beginning,” says Jens. “The engine architecture allows us to be flexible. Think of different layouts, cylinder configurations and adaptations for future models. So Mjølner is not only a powerhouse in its own right – it also ushers in a whole new era for Zenvo Automotive.”

Hardware is finished

The first phases of testing are now about to begin. The hardware is finished, the systems have been checked and the engineers have been holding their breath. What follows is the moment suprême: Mjølner’s first roar. John smiles, “Everyone is waiting for that first starting moment. We already know it will give goosebumps. This is what we do it for – technology that not only works, but does something to you. Something that stays with you.”

Start of test phase

With the first hand-built engine ready, the extensive testing phase of the Aurora program now begins. This will see the first prototypes being fitted with the new powertrain. This marks another step toward the production phase, with Zenvo hoping to bring the engine to life in the foreseeable future. The coming months will reveal how the new V12 performs in real-world conditions.

Zenvo Automotive

Zenvo Automotive is an exclusive hypercar manufacturer from Præstø, Denmark. Since its founding in 2007, Zenvo has combined advanced technologies and innovative solutions with an analog experience behind the wheel. The brand stands for pure driver cars with exceptional performance and intense driver involvement.

In 2023 Zenvo presented the Aurora, an all-new V12 hypercar that will be available as “Agil” (aimed at track use) and “Tur” (more GT-oriented). Only a few examples of each model will be built each year. Each Aurora will be assembled by hand in Denmark, with global customer service guaranteed through a select network of specialized retailers. First deliveries are scheduled for the end of 2026.