General Hospital Spoilers Next Week June 29 – 3 July, 2026 | GH Spoilers Daily

Czinger 21C VMax: A Hypercar That Pushes The Limits Of What’s Possible For years, automotive enthusiasts have dreamed of experiencing a Czinger vehicle. MotorTrend finally had the chance to drive the 21C VMax, a stunningly innovative and ultra-exclusive hypercar. Our three-day road rally took us through Northern California’s wine country, offering a unique opportunity to evaluate the car’s performance both on the road and at the track. This review explores the groundbreaking technology, striking design, and thrilling driving dynamics of this revolutionary vehicle. Factory Fresh: A Glimpse Into The Future The journey began at Czinger’s manufacturing facility in Southern California, a facility that truly stands apart from traditional automotive plants. The parent company, Divergent Technologies, leverages cutting-edge artificial intelligence and large-scale 3D printing to create incredibly light and strong mechanical components. This advanced manufacturing approach not only distinguishes Czinger but also allows them to produce some of the most cutting-edge vehicles on the planet. During our visit, the CEO, Lukas Czinger, provided an exclusive tour of the facility. The most remarkable sight was the massive 3D printers in operation, where lasers fused powdered aluminum into intricate components that resembled bird bones. It was like peering into the future of automotive engineering. Lukas explained that Divergent’s technology achieves “Pareto optimality,” a state where any further optimization is detrimental. For example, when designing a component like a rear suspension damper mount, the software iterates through hundreds of thousands of configurations to find the optimal balance of strength and weight. This process, likened to evolutionary evolution on fast-forward, results in parts that are exceptionally lightweight and incredibly durable. Beyond its military contracts, Divergent Technology supplies 3D-printed parts to nine automotive OEMs. While Aston Martin (DBR22 Roadster), Bugatti (Tourbillon), and McLaren (W1) have openly acknowledged their partnership, many other manufacturers, including Ferrari (F80), also utilize this revolutionary technology for critical components. Under the Carbon Fiber: Two Versions of the Ultimate Machine Czinger produces two versions of the 21C, each designed for a different purpose. The 21C is a high-downforce, track-focused model, while the VMax features a wingless, elongated tail. For the inaugural Velocity Tour, a 500-mile road rally through California wine country, I had the privilege of piloting a stunning silver VMax. The cabin of the VMax feels more like a jet fighter cockpit than a traditional vehicle greenhouse. With glass positioned less than a foot from both sides, the visibility is incredible, offering an immersive and unique driving experience. However, accessing the cabin is an adventure in itself. You must sit with your legs extended, pull your knees up, and swivel your body to slide into the narrow seat. Once inside, your head tucks under the roof, and you feel truly integrated with the machine. One reason the sills are so substantial is the hidden battery system. The 21C VMax is a hybrid hypercar, featuring 2.2-kWh battery packs in each sill, totaling 4.4 kWh. While not a plug-in hybrid, the batteries are charged by the mid-mounted V8 engine, delivering up to 500 horsepower to the front axle through one motor per wheel. The combustion engine is a Czinger-designed 2.9-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 750 hp on standard 91-octane California premium unleaded fuel. Using 100-octane race fuel increases horsepower to 850 hp. The small but potent engine also supports ethanol fuel, though specific power figures for that fuel type are pending. We predict a 10% power increase when utilizing E85. The gasoline engine drives the rear wheels through an Xtrac single-clutch automated semi-sequential gearbox. Similar to the Pagani Utopia’s seven-speed Xtrac transmission, Czinger not only 3D-prints the gearbox casing but also incorporates small 48-volt electric motors to enable faster shifts at lower speeds. This innovative engineering eliminates the hesitant, surging feeling common in other automated single-clutch transmissions. The twin-barrel actuators perform flawlessly at low speeds, making city driving, parking, and maneuvers feel remarkably smooth and controlled. Track Time: Pushing the Envelope As is customary with high-end hypercars, a professional driver, Evan Jacobs, accompanied me for the first day to ensure my safe handling of the $2.5 million machine. Thankfully, Jacobs later assured the Czinger team that I posed no threat and granted me permission to drive solo for the rest of the rally. We stopped by Laguna Seca for some parade laps, but non-Czinger employees are restricted from driving the VMax on the track, even at the intentionally slow pace set for rally participants. As I have learned through experience, even if you are not a seasoned driver, riding along in a unique vehicle offers an unparalleled experience. I had the opportunity to ride in the rear seat, and despite the tight fit for my large calves, the visibility through the side glass was breathtaking. It truly felt like being in a stunt plane, offering a novel perspective during a track experience I have enjoyed countless times. Jacobs took the VMax for a few “6/10ths” hot laps, and the experience was awe-inspiring. The most impressive ride I’ve ever had was in an Aston Martin Valkyrie LMH race car, where I could feel the blood rushing to my extremities under heavy braking. The Czinger VMax now ranks a close second, and Jacobs emphasized that he was nowhere near the limit. Even without the full wing and at a pace significantly slower than the car’s capabilities, it was easy to understand how the Czinger 21C achieved its record-setting performance. In 2025, the 21C set five production car track records at Thunder Hill, Sonoma Raceway, Laguna Seca, Willow Springs, and the Thermal Club in just five days, driving between each track without assistance. Later, Czinger returned to Laguna Seca to reclaim the track record from the Koenigsegg Jesko Sadair’s Spear. The lap time of 1 minute, 22.30 seconds is remarkably faster than the fastest MotoAmerica Superbike lap ever recorded at Laguna, which stands at 1:22.56. Czinger claims a vehicle weight of approximately 3,600 pounds, which is exceptionally light for a 1,250-hp hybrid. To put this in context, the Ferrari SF90 Stradale Asseto Fiorano—the most powerful three-motor twin-turbo V8 PHEV with 986 hp—weighs 3,839 pounds. The new Lamborghini Temerario, another three-motor V8-PHEV (making less power than the Czinger but offering a similar comparison), exceeds the two-ton mark at 4,185 pounds. On the Road: A Ride Unlike Any Other The chosen rally route predominantly featured winding back roads with challenging pavement conditions—far from the ideal asphalt found on hypercar dream trips. Additionally, navigating to lunch and coffee stops required constant attention to the pack and camera car. At the time, I felt somewhat disappointed with the limited opportunities for pure performance driving. In retrospect, however, the experience mirrored what most owners will encounter while living with a Czinger. To my surprise, the VMax performed remarkably well as a road car. Every item was removed from my pockets as the seats are tight, and water was consumed before entering due to the absence of cup holders. Being in the VMax meant accepting that almost everyone else on the road—especially males between 16 and 24—would be staring, following, waving, and revving their engines while offering friendly shouts of admiration. Regardless, the Czinger rides much better than anticipated; the team deserves applause for achieving such comfort without sacrificing performance. The air conditioning works exceptionally well. If I have one critique regarding the “just driving around” aspect of the VMax, it is the cabin noise level. I am not referring to the unique V8 sound but rather the seeming lack of sound deadening. While ideal for a track-focused car like the 21C, it is a noticeable oversight on a road car like the VMax. This becomes especially apparent during long drives. While weight is the enemy of performance, sound-deadening foam is incredibly light. A mere 10-50 pounds could significantly improve overall comfort. Get to the Good Part: A Truly Wild Driving Experience We finally arrived at some proper California canyon roads, and I was able to experience the full capabilities of the Czinger 21C VMax. As quickly as my right foot pressed the throttle, the braking zone appeared. Having driven EVs with similar power, I expected significant weight, but the Czinger is just a different species of accelerative animal. It feels like the car is bending the road rather than simply rolling over it. While I hate admitting this, the Czinger VMax on 91-octane gasoline is almost too much for public roads. It corners beautifully with incredible grip, but the lack of sound deadening in the cabin makes for a taxing ride when pushing the limits. I would love to try it on Angeles Crest or Highway 33 to see if the car can handle more power. But for now, the Czinger VMax remains one of the most thrilling and over-the-top hypercars available. Who Is This Car For? If you are considering a $2.5 million tandem-seat hypercar, you likely already own a collection of high-performance vehicles