Is Ian still alive? – Billy goes to the morgue to verify the information? Y&R Spoilers

Czinger 21C VMax: A Symphony of Madness on the Open Road The automotive landscape is in constant flux, and the Czinger 21C VMax stands as a testament to this evolution. Hailing from the heart of Southern California, this avant-garde hypercar is more than just a machine; it’s an experience that challenges the very definition of speed, engineering, and the future of mobility. For years, the industry has yearned for a glimpse behind the yoke of this groundbreaking vehicle, and now, the opportunity has arrived. This isn’t just a review; it’s a deep dive into the heart of a technological marvel that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible on four wheels. The Genesis of a Legend: Behind the Scenes at Czinger The journey into the world of Czinger begins not at a traditional dealership, but at a secure facility under the umbrella of Divergent Technologies. The parent company is renowned for its pioneering use of iterative artificial intelligence and additive manufacturing to create structures that are lighter and stronger than anything achievable through conventional methods. As a first-time visitor, the entry process itself underscores the company’s unique standing: a U.S. passport is required, given that Divergent is a supplier of advanced components to the Department of Defense. While the military applications were kept under wraps, one particular item bore a striking resemblance to a missile, hinting at the cutting-edge nature of their innovations. Lukas Czinger, the visionary CEO of both Divergent and Czinger, provided a guided tour that felt like a voyage into the future. The pièce de résistance was a peek inside one of the massive 3D printers. Observing lasers sintering aluminum powder into complex, avian-like geometries was an otherworldly experience. The precision and intricacy of these parts highlighted the philosophy that underpins the entire operation. Czinger’s engineering philosophy centers on reaching the “Pareto optimal” point—a state where any further alteration to the structure, either an addition or subtraction of weight, leads to a net loss in performance. Take, for instance, the design of a remote reservoir for the rear suspension damper. The software begins with a defined volume and specific stress thresholds, then iterates through hundreds of thousands of shapes until it finds the optimal solution. It’s a process that mirrors evolution in fast-forward, resulting in components that are not only aesthetically striking but structurally superior. Beyond defense, nine automotive OEMs leverage Divergent’s 3D printing technology. Aston Martin, Bugatti, and McLaren are publicly acknowledged partners, though the control arms of the Ferrari F80 sure look like they could be suspects in the growing roster of 3D-printed automotive components. The Heart of the Beast: Inside the Czinger 21C VMax Czinger produces two versions of this remarkable machine. The track-focused variant, the Czinger 21C, named after the 21st century, and the VMax, characterized by its absence of a rear wing and its extended tail. For the inaugural Velocity Tour, a 500-mile rally through Northern California’s renowned wine country, the spotlight fell on the silver VMax. The term “piloting” is used intentionally, as the cabin feels less like a car interior and more like a fighter jet cockpit. The visibility is unparalleled, with glass enveloping the occupants. The process of entering the vehicle is equally extraordinary: one must sit with legs extended onto the large sill, pull the knees up and spin on their rear, tucking the feet into the footwell, and then slide the head under the roof. While this might sound precarious, it is an essential aspect of the vehicle’s design, dictated by its unique engineering architecture. The sills are substantial because they house the batteries. The 21C VMax is a hybrid hypercar, with each sill containing 2.2-kWh of battery power, totaling 4.4 kWh. It is not a plug-in hybrid, meaning a motor powered by the mid-mounted V-8 engine keeps the pack charged. These batteries can deliver 500 horsepower to the front axle, which features independent motors for each wheel. The combustion engine is a Czinger-designed 2.9-liter twin-turbo V-8 producing 750 horsepower on 91-octane premium unleaded. Switching to 100-octane race fuel increases the output to 850 horsepower. The engine is also capable of running on ethanol, potentially unlocking even higher figures—a feat Czinger has yet to reveal. Power is routed to the rear wheels via an Xtrac single-clutch automated semi-sequential gearbox. This is similar to the seven-speed Pagani uses on the Utopia, but Czinger has taken it to another level. Not only is the transmission case 3D printed, but they also utilize small 48-volt electric motors to execute shifts more quickly at low speeds. This innovation effectively eliminates the jarring lurch that plagues all other automated single-clutch gearboxes. The twin-barrel actuators perform flawlessly in low-speed situations, a welcome revelation for anyone navigating tight parking lots or city streets. Track Dominance: The Czinger 21C VMax Experience For the inaugural Velocity Tour, the Czinger 21C VMax was accompanied by pro driver Evan Jacobs, a safety precaution typical of high-end hypercars. Thankfully, Jacobs later vouched for the driver’s competence, allowing the journey to proceed without a mandatory co-pilot for the remainder of the rally. A stop at Laguna Seca afforded us the chance to witness the VMax in its natural habitat, albeit during a restricted parade laps session. Non-Czinger employees are not permitted to drive the VMax on race circuits, even at the deliberately restricted pace of the rally. Nevertheless, the opportunity to ride along provided an unparalleled insight into the vehicle’s capabilities. As Jacobs explained, even at speeds far below the limit, the performance was astonishing. The rear seat, while offering incredible visibility, is tight for those with larger builds. The calves fit snugly between the carbon-fiber tub and seat, and the feet barely find purchase in the footwell. However, the view out is akin to being in a fighter jet—a novel way to experience a track I’ve navigated hundreds of times. Jacobs, convincing the Skip Barber Racing School staff to allow him a few “6/10ths” hot laps, delivered a performance that solidified the VMax’s legendary status. The most impressive hot lap I’ve ever witnessed was riding shotgun in an Aston Martin Valkyrie LMH race car, where the physical demands of the braking were intense. The Czinger VMax now holds the second spot on that list, and remember, Jacobs wasn’t even driving at the car’s full potential. This remarkable feat is made even more impressive considering the VMax lacks a rear wing. Even without the immense aerodynamic downforce it provides, the car’s handling and grip were phenomenal. This ability to achieve such speed without a massive spoiler underscores the sheer brilliance of Czinger’s design. The brand’s claim of a vehicle weight of around 3,600 pounds is remarkable for a 1,250-hp hybrid. For comparison, the Ferrari SF90 Stradale Asseto Fiorano, the highest-performance three-motor twin-turbo V-8 PHEV producing 986 hp, weighs 3,839 pounds. The Lamborghini Temerario, another three-motor, twin-turbo V-8 hybrid with less power, weighs 4,185 pounds. It’s worth noting that the SF90 and Temerario hold records for the quickest acceleration in gasoline-powered cars MotorTrend has ever tested. If Czinger’s weight claims hold true, the ambitious Southern California startup has managed to outperform two Italian legends right out of the gate. This achievement is remarkable in its own right, especially given that L.A. isn’t exactly Modena—the traditional hub of supercar manufacturing. The Ride of a Lifetime: Life on the Road The route chosen for the rally was a mix of true back roads: tight, winding, and, to put it mildly, unrefined asphalt. It wasn’t exactly the type of smooth pavement one typically associates with hypercar dream trips. Add to that the need to follow the pack, navigate to various stops, and stay with the camera car, and it’s safe to say the drive was far from what one might envision for a $2.5 million hypercar. However, in retrospect, the experience was invaluable. It offered a glimpse into what most owners will likely experience while living with a Czinger. Surprisingly, the VMax drives much like any other hyper-exotic. The seating is snug, so taking everything out of your pockets beforehand is advisable. There are no cupholders, so one must drink water before setting off, and the constant attention from other drivers—especially young men—can be overwhelming. Despite these minor quirks, the Czinger rides significantly better than anticipated; the team deserves applause for not making it overly stiff. The air conditioning works well, providing welcome relief from the Southern California sun. My only complaint about the “normal driving” aspect of the VMax is the cabin’s noise level. While the unique V-8 engine is a delight, the lack of sound deadening is jarring. This might be acceptable in a track-focused car, but on a road-going vehicle, it’s an annoying oversight, particularly after hours behind the wheel. While weight is the enemy of performance, how much sound-deadening foam weighs? Ten pounds? Twenty? According to Google AI, estimates range from 10 to 50 pounds. Perhaps adding just 10 pounds would drastically improve the overall